What is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk

In summary, the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk is impossible to determine without more information. Factors such as the level of synovial fluid in the body joints, type of shoes and walking surface, and conditions must be considered. A rough estimate can be made by calculating the force needed to maintain a constant velocity, but this does not account for the complexity of the situation. Additionally, if there were no friction, the person would not be able to start walking in the first place.
  • #1
sunny1643
what is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk ?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF, Sunny.
Your question, as asked, is impossible to answer. Much more information is needed. For one thing, you have to consider the level of synovial fluid in the body joints to determine the friction involved just within the body itself, before you even get to what kind of shoes (if any) the subject is wearing on what kind of surface, under what conditions.
 
  • #3
I suppose you could come up with a wild estimate of the answer by estimating the force applied by the walker's feet in order to maintain a constant velocity. If there were no friction, then once he got going he'd just coast along at a constant speed (like an ice skater), so whatever force he's applying could be thought of as the force needed to overcome friction.

Of course, the real story is much more complicated than that, but it's a start, at least.
 
  • #4
belliott4488 said:
If there were no friction, then once he got going he'd just coast along

If there was no friction, he couldn't get going in the first place. :-p
 
  • #5
Not unless he had something to throw!

Claude.
 
  • #6
Well, I always keep a halibut around for just that purpose...

edit: Lest anyone thinks that I'm racist, a salmon would work just as well.
 
Last edited:

Related to What is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk

What is the average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk?

The average friction force when a person has a usual 1 km walk depends on various factors such as the type of surface they are walking on, the weight and speed of the person, and the type of footwear they are wearing.

What is friction force?

Friction force is the force that resists the motion of an object when it is in contact with another surface. It is caused by the microscopic roughness between the two surfaces and can be affected by factors such as surface area and the materials of the objects.

How is friction force calculated?

Friction force can be calculated by multiplying the coefficient of friction (a value that represents the roughness between two surfaces) by the normal force (the force exerted by an object on a surface in a direction perpendicular to the surface). The formula is F = μN, where F is the friction force, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force.

What are some examples of friction force?

Friction force is present in many everyday activities such as walking, driving a car, and using a pencil to write. It is also responsible for phenomena such as static electricity and the formation of lightning.

How can friction force be reduced?

Friction force can be reduced by using lubricants, such as oil or grease, to create a slippery surface between two objects. It can also be reduced by using smoother materials or by applying a force in a direction opposite to the motion of the object (known as a "drag" force).

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