If frictional force in system is <= us*N then there is no slipping

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions for slipping in a system involving friction, specifically addressing the relationship between the frictional force, the coefficient of static friction, and the normal force. Participants explore the implications of these relationships in the context of a block being pushed on a horizontal surface.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that if the frictional force (Ff) is less than or equal to us*N, then no slipping occurs, while if Ff exceeds us*N, slipping occurs.
  • Others question the framing of the query, suggesting that the focus should be on the applied horizontal force rather than the frictional force alone.
  • One participant explains that slipping occurs because the bonds between the two materials break when the applied force exceeds the threshold defined by static friction.
  • Another participant notes that when slipping occurs, the friction force transitions to kinetic friction, which is represented as uk*N.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding the force balance, indicating that the frictional force is a response to the applied force rather than an independent value.
  • There is a reference to a threshold value that differentiates between static and kinetic friction, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the transition between these states.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic principles of static and kinetic friction but express differing views on the framing of the question and the interpretation of the conditions under which slipping occurs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of the initial query and the implications of the frictional force in relation to the applied force.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference notes and external sources to clarify their points, indicating that there may be varying interpretations of the definitions and conditions related to friction. The discussion highlights potential confusion regarding the relationship between static and kinetic friction and the forces involved.

annamal
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TL;DR
If frictional force in system is less than or equal to us*N then there is no slipping. Why is it that if the frictional force in the system is greater than us*N then there is slipping?
If frictional force in system (say a block being pushed on a horizontal surface) is less than or equal to us*N then there is no slipping. Why is it that if the frictional force (Ff) in the system is greater than us*N then there is slipping (I am finding it hard to wrap my head around this)? us is coefficient of static friction and N is normal force.

Screenshot 2023-08-01 at 8.27.28 PM.png
 
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I think you are misstating your query. You mean to ask why this happens when the applied horizontal force is less than ##\mu_s N## ?
 
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annamal said:
Why is it that if the frictional force in the system is greater than us*N then there is slipping?
Because the bonds between the two materials are breaking. Note that the dynamic friction force drops as soon as the threshold force is reached.

Imagine the parts glued together and then you break the bond; one part can now move with respect to the other.

Static friction:

StaticFriction.gif

Kinetic friction:

KineticFrictionConstantMotion.gif
 
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berkeman said:
I think you are misstating your query. You mean to ask why this happens when the applied horizontal force is less than ##\mu_s N## ?
According to my notes if the frictional force <= us*N, then no slipping occurs, but if frictional force > us*N then there is slipping?

My notes say this, specifically what does part 3b mean? If Ff > us*N why are we now slipping because isn't the Ff < us*N if Ff = uk*N?
Screenshot 2023-08-01 at 10.50.37 PM.png
 
Last edited:
  1. If there is slipping, the friction force is ##\mu_kN##;
  2. If there is no slipping, the friction force may be anything between zero and ##\mu_sN##;
  3. If there is no slipping and the force exceeds ##\mu_sN##, slipping occurs (thus going to condition 1, i.e. ##F_f = \mu_kN##, and this is as long as there is slipping).
You can feel this by pushing an object sitting on another object. While increasing the force slowly, the object doesn't move. Once you reach the threshold force, the block suddenly starts to move and the block becomes easier to push (i.e. less force required).
 
annamal said:
Why is it that if the frictional force in the system is greater than us*N then there is slipping?
Because that is what we see in the experiments
 
berkeman said:
I think you are misstating your query. You mean to ask why this happens when the applied horizontal force is less than ##\mu_s N## ?
annamal said:
According to my notes if the frictional force <= us*N, then no slipping occurs, but if frictional force > us*N then there is slipping?
My point was more about how you are thinking about the forces.

The frictional force opposes the applied force to the object. So for a static object, the object does not slide until the applied horizontal force exceeds ##\mu_s N##. To state that in terms of only the frictional force being less than ##\mu_s N## seems to me to miss an important part of the force balance situation.

The frictional force is the result of the external force applied to the object; it does not exist all by itself.
 
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annamal said:
According to my notes if the frictional force <= us*N, then no slipping occurs, but if frictional force > us*N then there is slipping?

My notes say this, specifically what does part 3b mean? If Ff > us*N why are we now slipping because isn't the Ff < us*N if Ff = uk*N?
View attachment 329982
That value is a threshold between static and kinematic types of friction.
Please, see:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/frict2.html

original_5.qstn.png
 

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