What type of friction occurs between two objects that are in contact with each other but not moving?

Static friction is the type of friction that acts between two objects that are in contact and not in relative motion. It is the force that must be overcome to initiate movement between the two surfaces. This frictional force adjusts up to a certain maximum limit, which depends on the materials in contact and the normal force pressing them together.

For instance, when you push a stationary object, static friction resists this push until the applied force exceeds the maximum static friction, at which point the object begins to move, and kinetic friction comes into play. Static friction is crucial in many real-world applications, such as allowing objects to remain in place on slopes or preventing slipping when walking or driving. Understanding static friction is essential in various fields, including physics and engineering, as it informs how we can control movement and prevent unwanted sliding between surfaces.