AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Kinetic and Static Friction
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
Under what condition can static friction occur?
Static friction can occur when two objects are in contact but are not moving relative to each other.
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Under what condition can static friction occur?
Static friction can occur when two objects are in contact but are not moving relative to each other.
A box is sliding across a warehouse floor. What type of friction is acting on it?
Kinetic friction is acting on the box because it is moving relative to the floor surface.
Describe the adaptive nature of the static friction force.
Static friction adjusts its magnitude and direction to be equal and opposite to an applied force, up to a maximum value, to prevent motion.
How do the coefficients of static and kinetic friction typically compare for a given pair of surfaces?
The coefficient of static friction is typically greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction for the same pair of surfaces.
Define kinetic friction.
Kinetic friction is the force that occurs when two surfaces in contact move relative to each other.
What two quantities are multiplied to find the magnitude of the kinetic friction force?
The magnitude of the kinetic friction force is the product of the normal force and the coefficient of kinetic friction.
What is the term for the friction between two surfaces in relative motion?
The friction between two surfaces in relative motion is called kinetic friction.
What is the term for the friction that prevents an object from starting to slide?
The friction that prevents an object from starting to slide is called static friction.
You push a heavy desk, but it does not move. What force opposes your push?
Static friction opposes your push with an equal and opposite force, preventing the desk from moving.
If it is harder to start pushing a heavy box than to keep it sliding, what does this imply about the friction coefficients?
This implies that the coefficient of static friction is greater than the coefficient of kinetic friction for the box and floor.
What is the primary role or purpose of the static friction force?
Static friction's primary role is to adopt the value and direction required to prevent an object from slipping or sliding on a surface.
Under what condition does kinetic friction occur?
Kinetic friction occurs when two surfaces are in contact and are moving relative to one another.
What determines the magnitude of the kinetic friction force exerted on an object by a surface?
The magnitude of the kinetic friction force is determined by the normal force from the surface and the coefficient of kinetic friction.
Define static friction.
Static friction is the force that may occur between the contacting surfaces of two objects that are not moving relative to each other.