STUCK IN PHYSICSAll simulationsStatic and kinetic friction simulation
IB Physics SL & HL · A Level Physics · AP Physics 1 · AP Physics C: Mechanics
Static friction matches your push—up to a limit. Go beyond that limit and the block slides. Explore what the forces do before, during and after sliding.
Set up the experiment
Positive force pushes right. Negative force pushes left. We keep μk ≤ μs. Gravity: 9.81 m s−2.
Reset restores the default experiment. You can adjust the push while it runs; changing mass or coefficients starts a fresh trial.
Watch the forces
Static friction is not always μsN
|fk| = μkN
Fnet = ma
Here N = mg because the push is horizontal and there is no vertical acceleration. At rest, static friction takes the value needed to balance the push, provided that value is within its limit.
At the exact static limit, this ideal model can remain at rest. Once sliding, friction opposes the relative motion. A moving block can have zero net force and keep moving at constant velocity.
Try this
1. Start the experiment and slowly increase the push. When does the block begin sliding?
2. Compare friction just before and just after motion begins.
3. While it slides, remove the push. Does it stop immediately?
4. Set both coefficients to zero, push, then remove the push. What keeps the block moving?
Model: rigid block, horizontal surface, ideal dry friction and no air resistance. Speed-independent kinetic friction is an approximation. Surface motion is a visual reference, not a conveyor belt.
Explore Static and kinetic friction
Explore static and kinetic friction with a block on a horizontal surface. Adjust the applied force, mass and friction coefficients, and compare force arrows, acceleration and motion.
IB Physics SL & HL · A Level Physics · AP Physics 1 · AP Physics C: Mechanics
Focus: friction, normal contact force and Newton’s second law. Static friction balances the applied force up to its limiting value; kinetic friction opposes sliding.