๐ŸŽกap physics 1 review

Static Friction

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Static friction is the force that prevents two surfaces from sliding past each other when they are not moving relative to each other. It acts parallel to the contact surface and opposes any applied force trying to initiate motion.