Friction and Gravity: Can Physics Be Defined by Math?

In summary, the formula of friction force can be defined as Ff = μN or Ff = μ.m.g. In the static case, Ff is less than µN and Fmax can't be zero. However, Ff can be zero if the mass is completely static. The impact of friction is that the force required to move an object will depend on the friction coefficient and mass.
  • #1
betteragnostc
2
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?
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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?
 
  • #4
I don't really understand what you're asking. :confused:

If the mass is moving, then the friction force is always µN.
 
  • #5
Which us easier to pull or push?Is there any impact of friction?If so how the mass will effect to that?
 

1. What is friction and how does it affect motion?

Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces in contact. It is caused by the roughness of the surfaces and the interlocking of the microscopic bumps and ridges on the surfaces. Friction can either slow down or stop motion, or it can cause an object to move in a different direction than it was intended.

2. How is friction calculated mathematically?

The force of friction can be calculated using the equation F = μN, where F is the force of friction, μ is the coefficient of friction, and N is the normal force between the two surfaces. The coefficient of friction is a property that depends on the materials of the two surfaces in contact.

3. What is gravity and how does it affect objects?

Gravity is the force of attraction between two objects with mass. It affects objects by pulling them towards each other. The strength of gravity depends on the masses of the objects and the distance between them. On Earth, gravity is what keeps us grounded and causes objects to fall towards the ground.

4. How is gravity related to math and physics?

Gravity is a fundamental force in physics and it is closely related to math through the laws of gravity. Sir Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

5. How do friction and gravity work together to affect motion?

Friction and gravity both play crucial roles in affecting motion. Friction can slow down or stop an object's motion, while gravity can pull objects towards each other and cause them to move in a certain direction. When an object is in motion on a surface, friction acts in the direction opposite to the object's motion, while gravity pulls the object down towards the ground. Both forces must be taken into consideration when studying the motion of objects.

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