Why is static friction greater than kinetic friction on an inclined surface?

  • Thread starter Thread starter humaders99
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 2K views
humaders99
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Hey, i was just wondering if anyone can explain why static friction appears to be higher then kinetic friction on a stationary object, which is on an incline?

~thx:confused:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
As far as i know static friction will always be larger than kinetic friction. I can't explain the precise physics behind why that is true but imagine this situation.

Imagine there is a very heavy box on the floor that you want to push. When you try to push this box it won't budge because of the (static) friction between the floor and the box. Once you apply enough force you get the box moving and if you keep it moving you would notice that the (kinetic) friction force feels much less.

I hope this is the answer you are looking for. It is logical that static friction will be more than kinetic if you think about it. I'm sure you tried to push something that wouldn't budge, but once you got it moving it was much easier to push it.