Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Which of the following best describes static friction?

It acts on moving objects
It opposes the start of motion
It is less than kinetic friction
It only exists in liquids

The correct answer is: It opposes the start of motion

Static friction is defined as the force that opposes the initiation of motion between two surfaces in contact when no motion is occurring. It acts when an external force is applied to an object but is not sufficient to overcome the frictional force holding the object at rest. Thus, the description of static friction as opposing the start of motion is accurate and highlights its role in preventing movement until a certain threshold of force is reached. The other options do not accurately describe static friction. The first option pertains to kinetic friction, which comes into play when objects are already in motion. Saying that static friction is less than kinetic friction overlooks that static friction can actually vary up to a maximum limit, which is often greater than the friction experienced during motion. Finally, suggesting that static friction only exists in liquids is misleading since static friction primarily pertains to solid surfaces and their interactions.