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Explanation of how to determine the coefficient of friction to succeed in Physical Science. Also refer to Physics, static, sliding,
kinetic, resistance, brakes, gravity, force, brakes, rolling, education, WBT, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright
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Determining the Coefficient of Friction
by Ron Kurtus (revised 15 December 2002)
Friction is a resistive force that prevents two objects from sliding freely
against each other. The coefficient of friction (f
r
) is a number that is the
ratio of the resistive force of friction (F
r
) divided by the normal or
perpendicular force (N) pushing the objects together. It is represented
by the equation:
f
r
= F
r
/N.
There are different types and values for the coefficient of friction,
depending on the type of resistive force. You can determine the
coefficient of friction through experiments, such as measuring the force
required to overcome friction or measuring the angle at which an object
will start to slide off an incline. There are also charts of common
coefficients of friction available.
Questions you may have include:
● How do the different types of friction affect the coefficient of
friction?
● What experiments can be done to determine the coefficient of
friction?
● What are some common values for the coefficient of friction?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a
Mini-quiz near the
end of the lesson.
Different types of coefficient
The different types of friction are static, kinetic, deformation, molecular
and rolling. Each has its own coefficient of friction.
Static coefficient
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