Friction : impulsive or non impulsive?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the nature of friction, specifically whether it can be classified as impulsive. It is established that the maximum value of friction is contingent upon the normal reaction, which can indeed be impulsive. Examples provided include the application of "English" on a cue ball in pool and topspin in tennis, illustrating the complexities of friction influenced by surface interactions and forces. The conversation emphasizes that various types of friction exist, influenced by impulses and pressure drag.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of normal reaction forces in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction in mechanics
  • Knowledge of impulse and its effects on motion
  • Basic principles of sports physics, particularly in billiards and tennis
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  • Research the relationship between normal reaction forces and friction coefficients
  • Explore the physics of impulse and its impact on object behavior
  • Study the effects of surface texture on friction in various sports
  • Investigate pressure drag and its role in frictional forces during motion
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Physics students, sports scientists, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of friction in sports and everyday applications.

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Maximum value of friction depends upon the normal reaction and normal reaction can be impulsive, so does that imply friction can be impulsive?
 
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swayne221b said:
Maximum value of friction depends upon the normal reaction and normal reaction can be impulsive, so does that imply friction can be impulsive?

Sure. A couple of examples that spring to mind are the application of "English" to the cue ball on a pool table and the behavior of a spinning rubber ball as it bounces.

Edit: And the application of topspin to a tennis shot as the racket hits the ball.
 
Last edited:
There are a bunch of different kinds of friction. It depends on the surfaces, forces, and definitely the impulses. If you account for pressure drag as a part of friction, it's kinda like skipping a rock.
 

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