# Static friction coefficient question

1. Aug 26, 2011

### hamsterpower7

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

from giancoli 5th ed (algebra based)
chapter 4, question 42

Drag race tires in contact with an asphalt surface probably have one of the higher coefficients of static friction in the everyday world. Assuming a constant acceleration and no slipping of tires estimate the coefficient of static friction for a drag racer that covers the quarter mile in 6.0s

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I converted quarter mile to m ----> 402.5m

using kinematic formula i found the acceleration a=22.36 m/s^2

$$\Sigma F = F_A - F_fr$$

$$F_A - \mu_s F_N = mass 22.36 m/s^2$$

and than I got stuck....
the answer key states that I shouldn't have put applied force in the equation
but how does that make sense??? the person should have put applied for to have constant acceleration

anyways if there wasn't a applied force I can solve for static friction from the equation above

2. Aug 26, 2011

### obafgkmrns

Keep in mind that the friction force (coefficient of friction times mass of car times acceleration of gravity) will be equal to the applied force (mass of car times its acceleration) if you assume that the car is accelerating as fast as it can without losing traction.

3. Aug 26, 2011

### hamsterpower7

I don't get this, isn't applied force and friction force two seperate force?

4. Aug 26, 2011

### obafgkmrns

In this case, they are one and the same! The car's tire is exerting a friction force parallel to the ground that accelerates the car. That friction force can be no greater than the tire's normal force times the coefficient of friction.