Friction and Gravity: Can Physics Be Defined by Math?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter betteragnostc
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Friction Gravity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical definitions of friction and gravity, specifically the formulas Ff = μN and Ff = μ.m.g. Participants clarify that while Fmax = μ.m.g indicates maximum static friction, the actual friction force Ff can be zero under static conditions. The conversation emphasizes that Ff is dependent on the state of motion, asserting that Ff can be zero when the mass is completely static, despite the presence of gravitational force.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of friction force equations, specifically Ff = μN and Fmax = μ.m.g
  • Basic knowledge of static and dynamic friction concepts
  • Familiarity with gravitational force and its impact on mass
  • Mathematical interpretation of physical formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between static and dynamic friction in physics
  • Explore the implications of gravitational force on frictional forces
  • Study advanced friction models and their applications in real-world scenarios
  • Learn about the role of mass in determining frictional force
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of physical forces, particularly in understanding friction and gravity interactions.

betteragnostc
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
The formula of friction force is

Ff = μN

can also be defined as

Ff = μ.m.g

One of my friend say that mathematically, that equation tell us that when there is a gravity force, Ff can't be zero assuming that there is no zero μ

Is that true? While on static condition I will say that even when there's a gravity force, the friction force is zero. But he said then if it is in static condition, then the formula would be

Fmax = μ.m.g

which mean when there is a gravity force, Fmax can't be zero.

Can physics really defined just by formula mathematically?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
betteragnostc said:
The formula of friction force is

Ff = μN

No, that only applies to dynamic friction and when the bodies are about to become dynamic (ie Fstatic = Fmax).

In the static case, Ff < µN
… But he said then if it is in static condition, then the formula would be

Fmax = μ.m.g

which mean when there is a gravity force, Fmax can't be zero.

Yes, Fmax can't be zero, but Ff can be zero.
 
tiny-tim said:
Yes, Fmax can't be zero, but Ff can be zero.

Is that true that the only condition Ff can be zero on gravity influence, is when the mass become completely static?
 
I don't really understand what you're asking. :confused:

If the mass is moving, then the friction force is always µN.
 
Which us easier to pull or push?Is there any impact of friction?If so how the mass will effect to that?
 

Similar threads

High School Why is static friction necessary for pure rolling?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Understanding Friction and Tension in Static vs. Dynamic Scenarios
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Undergrad Rolling friction and static friction....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
Graduate Correlation between Tire Pressure and Acceleration of a Motorbike
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravity, friction and tangential velocity
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Frictional Force Equation Doesn't Make Sense
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad How is it possible that friction = centripetal force for turns?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
10K
Undergrad Very confused about friction -- Please explain this....
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
Undergrad Can a cornering motorcycle go faster if the rider puts a knee down?
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
15K