Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 08, 2023


Our free online Friction Calculator is designed to quickly calculate the force of friction. All you have to do is enter the friction coefficient (μ) and normal force (N) as inputs and press the calculate button as soon as possible to get the friction as a result.

Friction coefficient (μ)
Normal force

What is Friction?

Friction is a type of force in physics that opposes the movement of two objects that are in touch. Friction can be divided into four categories, including

  • Static friction
  • Sliding friction
  • Fluid friction
  • Rolling friction

Static, sliding and rolling friction occur between solid surfaces, whereas fluid friction occurs between liquids and gases. Because friction is a resisting force, it aids in the holding of objects and keeps them from sliding in a variety of applications

Force of Friction Equation

The formula for calculating friction force is straightforward i.e. F = μN

  • Where F = Force of friction
  • μ = Coefficient of friction
  • N = Normal force

How to Calculate Frictional Force?

Friction is a type of force that opposes the movement of two objects nearby. Here, we'll show you how to solve the fiction simply utilising the normal force. Take a look at the sections below and work your way through them to find the exact solution. Let's look at the friction coefficient and normal force.

  • The formula for calculating friction force F = μ X N, where N is the normal force in Newton’s.
  • μ is the coefficient of friction.
  • The friction force F is measured in Newtons.
  • In the formula above, change the values of μ and N.
  • To obtain the result, do a multiplication procedure.

How to Use the Friction Calculator?

The friction calculator can be used in the following ways

  • In the input field, enter the normal force, friction coefficient, and x for the unknown.
  • To acquire the result, click the "Calculate the Unknown" button.
  • Finally, in the output field, the friction force will be presented.

How does Friction affect Motion?

Motion is only possible because of friction. Friction creates two opposing but equal pressures when one thing moves against another; otherwise, you'd be jogging on the spot. When an item is slowed, friction converts the kinetic energy into thermal or vibrational energy, allowing us to come to a complete stop. The slower the rate of this energy transfer is, the more slippery a surface is (the greater the coefficient of friction).

Real Life Examples of Friction

  • Start a fire using a matchstick.
  • Use a stick to beat a foot mat or carpet to dust it.
  • The operation of a vehicle on a surface.

Examples on finding Friction

Question 1: A 7kg copper block is kept horizontally on a cast-iron surface. When the copper block is at rest, the frictional factor between the copper block and the cast-iron surface is 1.07?

Solution:

Given: m = 7 Kg

g = 9.8 m/s^2

N = mg = 7 x 9.8 = 68.6 N

μ = 1.07

F = μN = 1.07 x 68.6 = 73.4 N

Question 2: Calculate the Friction Force for N = 83 N and μ = 9.0?

Solution:

Given: N = 83 N

v = 20 cm3

μ = 9.0

F = μN = 83 x 9.0 = 747 N

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

FAQs on Friction Calculator

1. How do you calculate the applied force of friction?

Find the friction force first, then find the applied force with mass and coefficient of friction. Then calculate the object's acceleration. The applied force is equal to the friction force plus the object's mass multiplied by its acceleration.


2. What does the coefficient of friction tell you?

The coefficient of friction is a measurement of how much friction exists between two surfaces. When the coefficient of friction is low, the force required for sliding is less than when the coefficient of friction is high.


3. Is it better to have a high or low coefficient of friction?

In short, because of the friction they generate when forced together, rougher surfaces have higher effective values while smoother surfaces have lower effective values. The coefficient of friction of most dry materials combined is between 0.3 and 0.6.


4. Does the coefficient of friction depend on velocity?

The kinetic friction coefficient should not be affected by velocity. Kinetic friction is determined by acceleration, which is determined by the change in velocity over a certain period.


5. What is the formula for calculating normal force?

The mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration of gravity equals the object's weight. Multiply the two numbers together. The normal force is calculated by multiplying the object's weight by the cosine of the angle of incline.