notes
Static friction
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Static friction is the force of friction between two surfaces so long as there is no relative motion between them. It is always equal to the applied force.
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Force that resists initiation of motion of one body over another with which it is in contact
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Opposes Impending motion
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Denoted by fs
Let the ball be at rest initially
Applied force, Fa = 0; Static friction, fs = 0
Later, applied force, Fa = F, then fs also increases but only up to a certain limit. As soon as Fa becomes greater than fs, the ball starts to move.
Fs acts when a body is at rest. Hence called Static friction.
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Limiting value of fs depends on Normal reaction, and is independent of the area of contact
fs max ∝ N
fs max = constant × N
fs max = μs N
where μs is the coefficient of static friction
This coefficient depends on the nature of surfaces in contact.
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According to the Law of Static friction, Static friction is always less than or equal to the limiting value of fs
fs =< fs max
fs max = μs N
fs =< μs N
Kinetic friction
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Kinetic friction is the force of friction which comes into play between two surfaces when there is some relative motion between them.
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Force that resists motion of one body over another with which it is in contact.
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Denoted by fk
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As motion starts, fs vanishes and fk appears
Kinetic friction is Independent of the area of contact and velocity of the body
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It varies with Normal reaction, N
fk ∝ N
fk = constant × N
fk = μk N; μk is the coefficient of kinetic friction
Three scenarios can arise in a body’s motion
1. When applied force > fk
Fa > fk
(Fa – fk) = ma
a = (Fa – fk)/m
2. When applied force = fk
Fa = fk
Therefore, a = 0 i.e. the body moves with uniform velocity
3. When applied force = 0
Fa = 0
A = - fk/m
No motion occurs, the body stops
Relation between Coefficient of Static & Kinetic friction
fk = μk N
fs =< μs N
fs > fk (to keep the body moving)
μs N > μk N
Or, μk < μs
Coefficient of kinetic friction is smaller than the coefficient of static friction.
