What is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk

AI Thread Summary
Determining the average friction force during a 1 km walk requires more information, such as the level of synovial fluid in joints and the type of footwear and surface conditions. The friction involved is essential for maintaining a constant walking speed, as without it, a person would not be able to start or maintain movement. While a rough estimate could be made by calculating the force exerted by the walker's feet, the actual scenario is much more complex. Friction is a critical factor in walking dynamics, influencing both initiation and maintenance of motion. Overall, understanding these variables is crucial for accurately assessing friction force in walking.
sunny1643
what is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk ?
 
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Welcome to PF, Sunny.
Your question, as asked, is impossible to answer. Much more information is needed. For one thing, you have to consider the level of synovial fluid in the body joints to determine the friction involved just within the body itself, before you even get to what kind of shoes (if any) the subject is wearing on what kind of surface, under what conditions.
 
I suppose you could come up with a wild estimate of the answer by estimating the force applied by the walker's feet in order to maintain a constant velocity. If there were no friction, then once he got going he'd just coast along at a constant speed (like an ice skater), so whatever force he's applying could be thought of as the force needed to overcome friction.

Of course, the real story is much more complicated than that, but it's a start, at least.
 
belliott4488 said:
If there were no friction, then once he got going he'd just coast along

If there was no friction, he couldn't get going in the first place. :-p
 
Not unless he had something to throw!

Claude.
 
Well, I always keep a halibut around for just that purpose...

edit: Lest anyone thinks that I'm racist, a salmon would work just as well.
 
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