Coefficient of Friction when applied force is not horizontal to surface?

In summary, the coefficient of friction depends on the materials in contact and remains constant as long as the normal force remains constant. If the applied force is not horizontal to the surface, the frictional force can still exist and can be calculated using the formula Ff = mu*Fn. However, if the force is applied perpendicular to the surface, no friction will occur. If applied at an angle, vector resolution can be used to find the resultant frictional force.
  • #1
CharmedForever
4
0

Homework Statement



What would happen to the coefficient of friction if the applied force was not horizontal to the surface?

Homework Equations


Ff=[tex]_{\mu}[/tex]Fn

The Attempt at a Solution



I am unsure of how to proceed with this question, but I am thinking that you can't have friction against a vertical surface.
 
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  • #2
See below...stupid touchpad makes my computer do weird things when I'm not ready for it to!
 
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  • #3
CharmedForever said:
I am unsure of how to proceed with this question, but I am thinking that you can't have friction against a vertical surface.

Frictional force may certainly exist on a vertical surface.

CharmedForever said:
What would happen to the coefficient of friction if the applied force was not horizontal to the surface?

If by horizontal you mean normal to the surface then...

Ff = mu*Fn

Does Ff remain constant? No...it varies with mu and Fn. So what is mu dependant on? The two surfaces in contact! As the normal force changes, only the resultant frictional force varies, the coefficient of friction is constant between two surfaces and depends on the materials properties.
 
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  • #4
Well if u r nt apllying force in the horizontal direction u cn apply it in vertical direction bt if u aplly it perpendicular no friction takes place ! bt if u apply it with an angle u need to resolve vectors od cosθ and sinθ and hence find ur ans
 
  • #5
Perhaps there would be a different coefficient of friction for a vertical force, as opposed to a horizontal one. However, this would also depend on the specific materials and surfaces involved. Additionally, the angle of the applied force could also affect the coefficient of friction. More research and experimentation would be needed to determine the exact relationship between the coefficient of friction and non-horizontal applied forces. It is important to note that the coefficient of friction is a measure of the resistance between two surfaces in contact, and the angle of the applied force is just one factor that can affect this resistance. Other factors such as the roughness of the surfaces, the weight of the objects, and any external forces also play a role. As a scientist, it is crucial to carefully consider all of these factors and conduct thorough experiments in order to accurately determine the coefficient of friction in any given situation.
 

What is the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a dimensionless quantity that represents the ratio of the force required to move an object over a surface to the perpendicular force that is pressing the object to the surface. It is a measure of the resistance between two surfaces in contact with each other.

What factors affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is influenced by several factors, including the nature of the materials in contact, the roughness of the surfaces, the applied force, and the angle at which the force is applied. The type of motion (static or kinetic) also affects the coefficient of friction.

What is the difference between static and kinetic friction?

Static friction is the force that resists the initiation of motion between two objects in contact. It is present when there is no relative motion between the two surfaces. Kinetic friction, on the other hand, is the force that resists the motion of two objects already in motion with respect to each other.

How is the coefficient of friction measured?

The coefficient of friction can be measured using a variety of methods, including using a friction coefficient tester, a tribometer, or by conducting experiments with different materials and surface conditions. It can also be calculated using mathematical equations that take into account the normal force and applied force.

Can the coefficient of friction be negative?

No, the coefficient of friction cannot be negative. It is always a positive value, indicating the amount of force required to overcome the resistance between two surfaces. A value of zero indicates no friction, and a value greater than zero indicates a certain level of friction present between the surfaces.

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