Explore the Forces & Friction Simulator
Push a block and explore Newton's laws, static and kinetic friction. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Forces & Friction Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Forces & Friction Simulator?
Push a block and explore Newton's laws, static and kinetic friction. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Friction decides how brakes, tyres, shoes and conveyor belts work. Engineers use Newton's second law to design safe vehicles and machines.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
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.
Push gently and see static friction hold the block.
Increase the force until it slips, then reduce it.
Change the surface friction and repeat.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Physics learners
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Forces & Friction Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Increase the force until it slips, then reduce it. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
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.
Is the Forces & Friction Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Forces & Friction Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Physics group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Forces & Friction Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Forces & Friction Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 3 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Forces & Friction Simulator?
1. In the Forces & Friction Simulator, use the controls to change Pressing force (weight of book), Surfaces, Magnifier. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Forces & Friction Simulator, pick an option such as Paper, Wood, Rubber, Ice to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Forces & Friction Simulator, press "Cool down" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Push gently and see static friction hold the block. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Forces & Friction Simulator responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Newton's second law: net force = mass × acceleration.
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Try the Forces & Friction Simulator now
Push a block and explore Newton's laws, static and kinetic friction. Free to use.
Try it free