friction
What friction means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of friction
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain friction in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
A contact force that acts parallel to the contact surface and opposes relative motion or the tendency to move.
A contact force parallel to a surface that opposes the relative motion or tendency of relative motion between surfaces.
Topics that use friction
- Forces and Newton’s laws (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Moments (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Equilibrium
- limiting equilibrium
- normal reaction
- coefficient of friction
- Dynamics in a plane
- force
- Gravitational acceleration
- inextensible string
Using friction in the exam
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