Coefficient Of Friction | Definition, Units, & Facts - Britannica

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External Websites

• IOPscience - Journal of Physics: Conference Series - Research on Measurement Methods of Friction Coefficient

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coefficient of friction, ratio of the frictional force resisting the motion of two surfaces in contact to the normal force pressing the two surfaces together. It is usually symbolized by the Greek letter mu (μ). Mathematically, μ = F/N, where F is the frictional force and N is the normal force. Because both F and N are measured in units of force (such as newtons or pounds), the coefficient of friction is dimensionless. The coefficient of friction has different values for static friction and kinetic friction. In static friction, the frictional force resists force that is applied to an object, and the object remains at rest until the force of static friction is overcome. In kinetic friction, the frictional force resists the motion of an object. For the case of a brick sliding on a clean wooden table, the coefficient of kinetic friction is about 0.5, which implies that a force equal to half the weight of the bricks is required just to overcome friction in keeping the bricks moving along at a constant speed, and the coefficient of static friction is about 0.6. The frictional force itself is directed oppositely to the motion of the object.

Keep Learning

• How does friction help us in everyday life?
• Why do different surfaces have different coefficients of friction?
• How do engineers use the coefficient of friction when designing roads and tires?
• What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?
• How do lubricants reduce friction and why is this important?

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.