Maximum friction force before slipping occurs

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SUMMARY

The maximum friction force before slipping occurs is defined by the equation f_s ≤ μ_sN, where μ_s is the coefficient of static friction and N is the normal force. When the force exerted exceeds this maximum frictional force, slipping occurs. For example, in a scenario involving a block on an inclined plane, the block will remain stationary until the gravitational force component parallel to the slope surpasses the maximum frictional force. This principle is crucial for understanding dynamics in physics, particularly in problems involving inclined surfaces and static friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static friction and its coefficient (μ_s)
  • Knowledge of normal force (N) in physics
  • Familiarity with Newton's Second Law (N2L)
  • Basic concepts of inclined planes and forces acting on objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate maximum frictional force using f_s = μ_sN in various scenarios
  • Explore the effects of different angles on static friction and slipping
  • Study the relationship between mass, friction, and acceleration in dynamic systems
  • Investigate kinetic friction and its role in motion after slipping occurs
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators teaching concepts related to friction and motion on inclined planes.

electricblue
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Homework Statement



Hi guys, i am sort of confused with the concept of slipping. I got a question.. what does it mean by maximum friction force before slipping occurs?

Homework Equations



I believe in the use of f_{}s \leq \mu_{}sn

The Attempt at a Solution



please correct me if i am wrong. maximum friction force before slipping occurs = \mu_{}sn
 
Last edited:
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Hi electricblue! :smile:

(have a mu: µ and a ≤ and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
electricblue said:
Hi guys, i am sort of confused with the concept of slipping. I got a question.. what does it mean by maximum friction force before slipping occurs?

please correct me if i am wrong. maximum friction force before slipping occurs = \mu_{}sn

Yes, if the force needed was any more (than µsN), then the force available wouldn't be enough, and so there would be slipping. :smile:
 
Hi electricblue,

To make you understand this concept, consider a block placed on an angled slope.

The block can either;

1. Slide (the frictional force exerted on the slope by the contact surface of the object < the force component due to gravity acting on the block parallel to the slope).

2. Remain stationary (the frictional force exerted on the slope by the contact surface of the object >= the force component due to gravity acting on the block parallel to the slope).

Let's say that the block originally remains stationary.

Now let's increase the angle of the slope. This has the same effect as to increase the force component due to gravity acting on the block parallel to the slope (You may find this easier to conceptualise if you draw a diagram).

There will come a point when the block begins to slide, that is, when the maximum frictional force between the contact surface and the block is overcome. This maximum frictional force is given by the equation you've stated, in words:

Maximum frictional force = coefficient of friction x normal force
 
Ok thanks! I got it now
 
I have been studying this concept of slipping now it gets me pondered..

what if i have a crate on a truck and the truck is suppose to climb up a hill of 20 degrees. mass of crate is 100kg and coefficient of static friction and kinetic friction is 0.4 and 0.5 respectively. the question is: What is the maximum acceleration the truck can have without the crate slipping?
 
Hi again electricblue,

You're going to have to show some attempt before we can help you.

Hint: Use N2L and also work out the maximum frictional force before slipping.
 

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