Frictionless Surface: Is It Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a perfectly frictionless surface, exploring whether such a surface can exist and the factors that prevent its formation. The conversation touches on theoretical aspects, practical examples, and the underlying causes of friction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a perfectly frictionless surface is an invented concept, implying that various factors inherently prevent such surfaces from existing.
  • One participant questions what specifically causes friction, prompting further exploration of the topic.
  • Another participant proposes that maglev train tracks could be considered frictionless if air resistance is ignored, though they note that the train does not actually touch the track.
  • A participant discusses the electromagnetic interactions between atoms as a cause of friction, suggesting that theoretically, two objects with the same electric charge could repel each other, leading to a frictionless interaction, but acknowledges the impracticalities of achieving such conditions in reality.
  • Concerns are raised about impurities and environmental reactions, such as oxidation, that would prevent the creation of a truly frictionless surface.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the possibility of a perfectly frictionless surface, with some asserting it is impossible due to inherent physical limitations, while others explore theoretical scenarios where it might be achievable under ideal conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility of such surfaces.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on idealized conditions and the acknowledgment that real-world factors, such as impurities and environmental interactions, complicate the concept of frictionless surfaces.

bassplayer142
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Is there anything that stops the formation of a perfectly frictionless surface? There isn't even enough to type to make a second sentence here.
 
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A perfectly frictionless surface is an invented concept. So the answer is that 'everything' stops a surface from being frictionless.
 
He was asking specifically what causes friction.
 
Isn't a maglev train-track frictionless (if you ignore air resistance)?

And how about something using a superconductor?
 
tiny-tim said:
Isn't a maglev train-track frictionless (if you ignore air resistance)?

It is, but I don't know if you can really call it a surface as the train isn't touching the track.

Defennnder said:
He was asking specifically what causes friction.

Basically friction is caused by electromagnetic interactions between the atoms of the two objects.

I quess that in theory, you could have two objects that consist of atoms which have the same electric charge. In that case they should repel each other, thus leading to a frictionless surface (but even in that case only between the two objects). This ofcourse is an ideal situation. In reality, the two objects always have some level of impurity which leads to more or less friction. Even if you could create a pure surface, it would instantly react with oxygen in the air. So in theory it's possible, but in reality it isn't.
 
You guys basically answered my question thanks.
 

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