How can energy be lost to friction?

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Energy is lost to friction primarily as kinetic energy is converted into heat energy during motion, such as when a car skids to a stop. This transformation occurs due to the work done against frictional forces, which can be calculated using the friction coefficient and the normal force. Examples include the warmth felt in brakes or when rubbing hands together. Understanding this energy loss is crucial in various applications, from vehicle safety to material design. Friction plays a significant role in energy dissipation in mechanical systems.
Miguell
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hi everyone! I'm new here. I was wondering how energy can be lost to friction? How would one even calculate that? Thanks!
 
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Miguell said:
hi everyone! I'm new here. I was wondering how energy can be lost to friction? How would one even calculate that? Thanks!
If a car skids to a stop, what form of energy exists beforehand? Is energy in that form lost during the skid?
 
Miguell said:
hi everyone! I'm new here. I was wondering how energy can be lost to friction? How would one even calculate that? Thanks!
Can you explain what is puzzling you? If you slide a box along the ground, any kinetic energy is rapidly lost. That seems an obvious example.
 
Miguell said:
How would one even calculate that?
It's the difference in work done by the 3rd law pair of friction forces.
 
:welcome:

I'm sure you have experienced it yourself. Energy lost to friction turns into heat energy. Have you not felt the brakes on vehicles get warm? Or felt you palm get warm when you rub it on a rough surface?
 
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