Coefficient of Friction

The coefficient of friction is a numerical value that represents the amount of friction between two surfaces in contact. It indicates how easily one surface can slide over another. A higher coefficient means more friction, making it harder to slide, while a lower coefficient means less friction, allowing for easier movement. This value varies depending on the materials involved, such as rubber on asphalt versus ice on metal. Understanding the coefficient of friction is important in fields like engineering, transportation, and safety, as it helps predict how objects will behave when pushed, pulled, or rolled.