Friction and Surface Area

In summary, the conversation discusses the physics behind using a whip to support human weight when wrapped around a tree branch. It is noted that the friction force will increase depending on the number of times the whip is wrapped, and that the surface area should be taken into account. The solution is to calculate the tension throughout the whip, which is dependent on the number of turns and the coefficient of friction.
  • #1
cellogirl3
1
0
Currently I'm doing a physics project based on Indiana Jones. I was curious if the whip, when wrapped around a tree branch, can support a human weight. However I realize, depending on how many times the whip was wrapped around the branch, the friction force will increase. Yet based on the friction force, surface area is not taken into account and in this example, it should be considered. So how should I solve this?
Thanks
 
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  • #2
Hello Cellogirl! Welcome to PF!

in this case, there will be a tension throughout the whip. in ideal case the tension will be uniform. so friction force = Normal reaction x coefficient of friction.

here Normal reaction = no. of turns x tension in whip

so more turns implies more friction.
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect surface area?

Friction is the force that acts against the motion of an object as it moves across a surface. The amount of friction depends on the surface area of an object in contact with the surface. The larger the surface area, the more friction there will be.

2. How does surface area affect the coefficient of friction?

The coefficient of friction is a measure of how easily two surfaces slide past each other. A larger surface area means that there are more microscopic imperfections on the surface, which increases the amount of resistance and therefore increases the coefficient of friction.

3. How does friction affect the efficiency of machines?

Friction can decrease the efficiency of machines by causing energy to be lost through heat or sound. In order to reduce friction and increase efficiency, machines are designed with smooth surfaces and lubricants are used to reduce the contact between surfaces.

4. Does surface area affect the type of friction present?

Yes, surface area can affect the type of friction present. When two surfaces are in contact and moving against each other, kinetic friction occurs. When there is no movement between two surfaces, static friction occurs. The amount of surface area can affect the type of friction present and the amount of force needed to overcome it.

5. How does friction affect the wear and tear of objects?

Friction can cause wear and tear on objects by creating heat and abrasion. This can lead to the deterioration of materials and decrease the lifespan of objects. In order to prevent excessive wear and tear, lubricants and materials with lower coefficients of friction can be used to reduce the amount of friction present.

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