The discussion revolves around a problem from "Physics for Scientists and Engineers Volume 1" concerning the treatment of friction in a specific question from Chapter 5. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the absence of friction forces in the answer key for multiple parts of the problem.
There is ongoing exploration of the assumptions made in the textbook regarding friction. Some participants have found the relevant question online and are discussing the implications of the answer key's treatment of friction, while others express skepticism about the clarity of the textbook's language.
Participants note potential confusion regarding the labeling of coefficients of friction in the textbook, with references to "mu" and the possibility of misinterpretation in the text. There is a lack of access to the textbook for some participants, which may limit their ability to engage fully with the problem.
QuarkCharmer said:I don't have the book, what is the actual question?
Many times friction is ignored in order to explain concepts with simplicity.
Seems just wrong to me.DannyPhysika said:Number 55. in Chapter 5, I checked the answer key and would like to know why they don't consider the forces of friction in a), b), c), d), and e)? This confuses me.
That's better.DannyPhysika said:I want to add that obviously in the book the coefficients are labeled "mu"1 and 2
Doc Al said:Seems just wrong to me.
Does the book really say: "The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block of mass m1 and the table is m1, and that between the block of mass m2 and the table is m2." That makes no sense! (Maybe μ1 and μ2?)