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
Frictional force refers to the resistance encountered when two surfaces slide against each other or attempt to slide against each other.
Related terms
Static Friction: Static friction is the force that prevents an object from moving when a force is applied to it but not strong enough to overcome the static frictional force.
Kinetic Friction: Kinetic friction is the force that opposes the motion of an object as it slides or moves over a surface.
Coefficient of Friction: The coefficient of friction is a value that represents how much friction exists between two surfaces in contact. It depends on the nature of the surfaces involved.