Understanding physical meaning

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In summary: The equation is empirical and derives from physical principles rather than being a pure mathematical calculation. When experiments are done it is found that the parallel component of the force is proportional to the normal force acting on bodies in contact. The proportionality constant ##\mu## is also once again found empirically.
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I'm missing to understand the physical meaning of frictional force formula
For example, talking about density formula; it conveys the essence that if a container with volume"V" can hold "m" mass of substance then " d" will be the density.

Jumping on to frictional force formula "Ff = μN", how do I know the physical meaning of the coefficient of friction from the equation?
 
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[itex]F_{f}=\mu N[/itex]
This is an empirical equation about the force of friction rather than one derived from first principles (e.g., summing up inter-molecular forces and such).

As such, the coefficient [itex]\mu[/itex] really is just a constant of proportionality between the friction force [itex]F_{f}[/itex] and the normal force [itex]N[/itex].

[itex]\mu[/itex] is a function of what kind of materials are in contact with each other, and whether we are talking about static friction or kinetic friction. The values of [itex]\mu[/itex] are found experimentally and tabulated rather than derived from more fundamental physics.
 
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Density is defined as “mass per unit volume”, so you see the definition of Density is purely mathematical, all it says is what will be the mass of a substance if we take a unit volume of that substance.

But when we come to friction it is defined as “the parallel component of the force when the bodies are in contact”, you can see that the friction is defined physically not mathematically. When experiments are done it was found that the parallel component of the force was proportional to the normal force acting on bodies in contact. The proportionality constant ##\mu## was also once again found empirically, and it was also found that it depends on nature of the materials in contact.
 
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Seeker69 said:
Summary:: I'm missing to understand the physical meaning of frictional force formula

For example, talking about density formula; it conveys the essence that if a container with volume"V" can hold "m" mass of substance then " d" will be the density.

Jumping on to frictional force formula "Ff = μN", how do I know the physical meaning of the coefficient of friction from the equation?
It conveys the essence that if a contact compressed with force N resists sliding with force Ff then μ will be the coefficient of friction.
 

1. What is physical meaning?

Physical meaning refers to the understanding and interpretation of scientific concepts and phenomena in the physical world. It involves analyzing and explaining the underlying principles and mechanisms that govern the behavior of physical systems.

2. Why is understanding physical meaning important?

Understanding physical meaning is important because it allows scientists to make accurate predictions and explanations about the natural world. It also helps in the development of new technologies and advancements in various fields such as medicine, engineering, and environmental science.

3. How do scientists determine physical meaning?

Scientists determine physical meaning through the use of scientific methods, such as experimentation, observation, and data analysis. They also rely on established theories and principles to interpret their findings and make conclusions about the physical world.

4. Can physical meaning change over time?

Yes, physical meaning can change over time as new evidence and discoveries are made. Scientific theories and explanations are constantly evolving and being refined as our understanding of the physical world deepens.

5. What are some challenges in understanding physical meaning?

Some challenges in understanding physical meaning include the complexity of natural systems, the limitations of scientific tools and methods, and the potential for bias or misinterpretation of data. Additionally, the constantly changing nature of scientific knowledge can also present challenges in fully grasping physical meaning.

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