Which type of friction is usually higher?

Static friction is typically higher than kinetic friction because static friction acts to prevent an object from starting to move. It represents the force that must be overcome to initiate motion between two surfaces that are in contact and at rest relative to one another. The maximum static friction force depends on the nature of the surfaces and the normal force pressing them together.

Once the object is set into motion, it transitions to kinetic friction, which is generally lower than static friction. This difference occurs because the surfaces in contact have already begun to slide over each other, resulting in less interlocking of surface irregularities and a reduction in the force required to maintain movement.

Understanding the relationship between static and kinetic friction explains why overcoming the initial resistance (static friction) is usually greater than overcoming the resistance of a sliding object (kinetic friction). Consequently, static friction is crucial in applications requiring control over movement before an object begins to slide.