Forces & Friction Simulator
Push a block and explore Newton's laws, static and kinetic friction.
Drag the block and let go to flick it. Friction and the applied force take over.
Applied force0 N
Friction force0 N
Net force0 N
Acceleration0 m/s²
Velocity0 m/s
StateAt rest
What you can learn
- Newton's second law: net force = mass × acceleration.
- Static friction stops the block from moving until the push exceeds μs × m × g.
- Once moving, kinetic friction (μk × m × g) opposes the motion and is usually smaller.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it harder to start an object moving than to keep it moving?
Static friction is usually stronger than kinetic friction, so you need a larger force to start motion than to keep it going.
Does mass change the friction force?
Yes. Friction is μ × normal force, and on a flat surface the normal force is m × g, so a heavier block has more friction.