Walking is made possible by utilizing the force of friction between our feet and the ground. The process involves a combination of actions and forces that allow us to move forward. Here's a simplified explanation of how we walk using the force of friction:
Pushing off: The first step in walking is to push off against the ground. When we lift one foot and move it forward, the frictional force between the foot and the ground provides the necessary backward force to propel us forward. As we push off, the foot exerts a force on the ground, and the ground exerts an equal and opposite force on the foot due to Newton's third law of motion.
Forward swing: Once we push off with one foot, we swing the other leg forward. As the swinging foot moves forward, it begins to make contact with the ground. At this point, the leg decelerates due to the frictional force between the foot and the ground.
Planting the foot: As the swinging foot makes contact with the ground, we transfer the weight of our body onto it. The frictional force between the foot and the ground now prevents the foot from slipping backward, allowing us to maintain stability.
Pushing with the opposite foot: With one foot planted on the ground, we repeat the process by pushing off with the opposite foot. This generates the necessary backward force to move our body forward.
By repeating these steps alternately with each leg, we create a continuous motion that enables walking. The force of friction plays a crucial role in providing the necessary traction and grip between our feet and the ground, allowing us to move forward efficiently.
It's important to note that walking also involves other biomechanical factors, such as the coordination of various muscle groups and the distribution of body weight. However, the force of friction is a fundamental force that allows us to generate forward motion while walking.