Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The coefficient of friction is a value that represents how much two surfaces resist sliding past each other. It quantifies the amount of frictional force between two objects in contact.
This is the frictional force between two surfaces when they are not moving relative to each other. It prevents objects from starting to slide against each other.
Kinetic friction: This is the frictional force between two surfaces when they are sliding past each other. It opposes the motion of the objects and acts to slow them down.
Rolling friction: This type of friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface, like a ball rolling on the ground. It is generally smaller than static or kinetic friction.