Dynamical friction is a term in astrophysics related to loss of momentum and kinetic energy of moving bodies through a gravitational interaction with surrounding matter in space. It is sometimes referred to as gravitational drag, and was first discussed in detail by Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar in 1943.
Read more about Dynamical Friction: Intuitive Account, Chandrasekhar Dynamical Friction Formula, Density of The Surrounding Medium, Applications
Famous quotes containing the word friction:
“We have got onto slippery ice where there is no friction and so in a certain sense the conditions are ideal, but also, just because of that, we are unable to walk. We want to walk so we need friction. Back to the rough ground!”
—Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951)