What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the difference between static and kinetic friction, establishing that static friction is generally greater than kinetic friction. The coefficient of static friction is typically higher than that of kinetic friction, indicating that it requires more force to initiate movement than to maintain it. Therefore, a stationary object experiences more friction than a moving object. This conclusion is supported by the standard model of friction, which categorizes friction into two types: static and kinetic.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly friction.
  • Familiarity with the terms "static friction" and "kinetic friction."
  • Knowledge of the coefficient of friction and its implications.
  • Basic comprehension of forces acting on objects in motion.
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  • Research the mathematical definitions of static and kinetic friction.
  • Explore the factors affecting the coefficients of friction in different materials.
  • Learn about the applications of friction in real-world scenarios, such as vehicle dynamics.
  • Study the implications of friction in engineering and design, particularly in mechanical systems.
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Students studying physics, educators teaching concepts of motion and forces, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of friction in practical applications.

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A certain guy I do not get along with, a college senior, and I, a freshmen, are having an argument about friction.

My question is: Which has more friction, a moving object or a stationary object? I've not taken Physics before, so I couldn't make an argument that moving objects encounter more friction than stationary objects.

Can someone please explain whether a stationary object or a moving object experiences the most friction? Also, can someone provide a proof of the answer in terminology that I, a college freshman who has never taken physics before, may understand.

Thank you.
 
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Maybe this will help:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/frict2.html

The coefficient [of kinetic friction] is typically less than the coefficient of static friction, reflecting the common experience that it is easier to keep something in motion across a horizontal surface than to start it in motion from rest.
So you see there's no absolute answer to your question, but in most cases an object will experience more friction when it's at rest.

This is all based on the standard model of friction:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/frict.html#fri
 
Friction comes in 2 forms. Static friction is the friction force required to start a body moving. The friction experienced by a moving body is called kinetic friction. It is always true that kinetic friction < Static friction.
 

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