Friction Between Clothing & Giant Rock: 833 N & μ=4.58?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a coefficient of friction (μ) of 4.58 between clothing and a giant rock, with a frictional force of 833 N. Participants explore the implications of these values in the context of a physics project involving cartoon characters and their deceleration upon impact.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a frictional force of 833 N with a coefficient of friction of 4.58 is reasonable, suggesting that the value seems excessively high.
  • Another participant proposes that the coefficient of friction could depend on the pressure between the clothing and the rock, implying that μ might not need to be fixed.
  • A participant provides context for the values used, noting that they are derived from a physics project involving cartoon characters, with specific mass and acceleration values leading to the calculated friction and μ.
  • It is mentioned that while a coefficient of friction of 4.58 is large, there are no fundamental laws of physics that prohibit such a value, although it would be unusual for clothing and rock interactions.
  • A humorous remark is made regarding the accuracy of physics as presented in cartoons, suggesting a light-hearted view on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasonableness of the coefficient of friction value, with some acknowledging its unusualness while others suggest it may not be impossible. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriateness of the μ value in this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion relies on assumptions about the interaction between clothing and rock, and the values presented are based on a fictional scenario involving cartoon characters, which may not reflect real-world physics accurately.

carol95
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Is it possible to have friction between clothing and a giant rock equal to 833 N? The μ would equal 4.58. Isn't it too big?
 
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Why would the coefficient of friction need to be 4.58? Wouldn't it depend on how hard they're pressed together?
 
Well this is for a physics project and a lot of it depends on guessing. We found friction to be 833 N, mass to be 85 kg, acceleration to be -2.14 m/s^2 because the cartoon characters are decelerating as they hit the wall. Will all of this μ(ma)= Friction, we found μ to be 4.58. We are just wondering if 4.58 would be too big for μ.
 
Oh, ok.

4.58 would be large but there's nothing in the laws of physics (as far as I know) that limits the coefficient of friction. I know at least that it can be greater than 1, so 4.58 isn't completely crazy.

Between clothing and a rock though, it would certainly be abnormal (but perhaps not impossible)
 
Everyone one knows that 'cartoon characters' always present physics in a true and accurate manner.
 

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