Is friction a quantum phenomenon at the atomic level?

[Benzoate]

Sorry if this question is too generic , but I want to know what friction is like at the atomic level where the laws of quantum mechanics dominate the interaction of matter.

 

[LaserMind]

The basic cause of friction is force. So you are asking what is force at the atomic level?

 

[Crosson]

Atomic physicists do not consider friction, and their models accord with reality. This is a careful way to say that there is no friction at the atomic level in the currently accepted and tested model of physics.

Models of friction appear when you have many-particle systems, for example a lattice of atoms that makes up a macroscopic solid. We can use the laws of quantum mechanics to predict the properties of the lattice, for example the solid may develop a jagged surface which would lead to heavy friction when the solid was rubbed against something else.