Make a prediction for each situation — there are no wrong answers! You'll be able to compare your predictions to what actually happens after you try each one.
1. With static friction on, you have to pull quite hard before the block moves at all. If you turn static friction off, what changes?
2. If you turn off kinetic friction but leave static on, what happens once you get the block moving?
Friction Explorer
From Allora and the Puzzles of Archimedes
Break the laws of physics! What happens when you turn off static friction, kinetic friction, or both? Try dragging the block to see!
⚙ Controls
μs =0.70
μk =
0.40
✱ Always less than static — the red line shows the maximum kinetic can be. Drag the static slider to see it move!
How to play: Drag the block. Your pull builds up force.
• Static friction holds until you exceed μs × weight.
• Then the block breaks free and kinetic friction slows it.
• Let go — it coasts to a stop.
⌨ Keyboard: Click canvas, then hold ←→ to push.
Drag the block, or use ← → arrow keys after clicking the canvas
💭 What did you notice?
Put what you observed into words — this helps it stick!