Physics 12 · Sovereign Friction & Contact Lab

Physical assumptions and safety

Gravity magnitude g=9.8 m/s², normal N=mg. The static maximum is f_s,max=μ_s N, but actual static friction only matches the requested horizontal force when its magnitude is within that limit. After the applied magnitude exceeds the maximum, the model uses kinetic friction magnitude μ_kN directed against the initial sliding direction. Values describe initial slip rather than later stick–slip or reversal behavior.

1. Predict an outcome

What happens as you increase the applied push beyond the static threshold?

Block mass 5 kg

Horizontal applied force (+right) 12 N

Static friction coefficient 0.40

Kinetic friction coefficient 0.30

Import JSON

2. Contact-force visualization

Teal: applied pushOrange: opposing frictionBlue: normalGold: weight

External forces on the block (right and up positive)
Force and agent	Fx (N)	Fy (N)

Static matching segment followed by the approximate kinetic-friction step. This idealized discontinuity is a model simplification and not a measured slip transition.

3. Experimental notebook

Saved fictional friction trials
#	m (kg)	Applied (N)	μ_s	μ_k	Mode	Friction (N)	Acceleration (m/s²)

Claim–Evidence–Reasoning, a controlled comparison and limitation

Download synthetic friction table

4. Seven-Round Friction Lab Game

Seven cases are selected without replacement from eleven. For each one, decide whether the initially resting block remains static or enters the ideal kinetic sliding regime. The game teaches the inequality, not practical safety limits.

Start a new game.

Score: 0 of 7