Is friction an energy

Answer 1

No, while friction is often involved in thermal energy release, friction is a mechanical interaction among two or more bodies and/or fluids that give rise to a resistive force.

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There are two types of friction - static friction and dynamic friction - and their relationship to energy are different. In static friction, the combined surface tension and dynamic friction between two relatively stationary objects presents sufficient resistive force to completely oppose the incidental differential force that tries to make one body move in relation to the other. In other words, the incidental force is not strong enough to overcome the static friction, and consequently neither body moves in relation to the other body. An example is trying to push or drag a heavy box along the ground - the static friction is so strong that, even though you push hard (apply a lot of force), the box does not budge - static friction prevents the box from moving at all. In the case of static friction, no thermal energy is released.

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In dynamic friction, one body or fluid is in motion with respect to another body or fluid, and the mechanical interaction among them resists their relative motions. An example is riding a bicycle on level ground - dynamic friction opposes the movement of you and the bicycle with respect to the ground and the air, and unless you pedal to overcome the dynamic friction, the bicycle will slow down and eventually stop. When dynamic friction occurs, kinetic energy (speed) is converted into thermal energy (heat), and the heat is released to the immediate surroundings.

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Note that friction releases other forms of energy, not just heat. Friction often converts kinetic energy into sound - think of squealing brakes. In the case of wind blowing over the ocean, the friction between the air and the water gives rise to ocean waves, which themselves carry energy across the ocean surface.

Answer 2

Friction energy is a force. It is a force that slows motion and dampens energy. When wind blows through a tree the tree impedes the wind flow. This causes the wind to slow down. Friction releases some of the energy. This release can be in the form of noise, vibration, and energy transfer. When the wind hits the tree you can hear the noise of the wind blowing through the leaves and branches and you can see the movement of the leaves and branches. Some of the energy the wind had is transferred into moving the tree.