static friction: Quick Facts

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Photos

Diagram showing four stages of frictional forces on a box atop a table: (A) only gravity and normal force act; (B) static friction opposes a small applied force; (C) static friction at its maximum resists further applied force; (D) kinetic friction opposes motion as the box moves.

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Topics

friction rolling friction coefficient of friction

Key People

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Guillaume Amontons

French physicist