All mysteries
Mystery #4Tier 2-3friction

Why is it harder to start pushing a heavy box than to keep it moving?

Try shoving a heavy box across the floor. At first it won't budge no matter how hard you strain, then suddenly it breaks free and slides much more easily. Why is getting it started so much harder than keeping it going?

A person pushing a heavy, loaded handcart along a street.
Photo: Benlisquare · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Your guess

What's your hunch about why a heavy box resists at first, then slides more easily once it's moving?

There's no single magic word to type, have a go in your own words, then reveal the answer to see how close you got.

Make a guess to unlock the hints and the answer.