This is a matter of terminology.
One might describe the static frictional force as f <= kmg, where kmg is
the maximum available frictional force, OR
one might say f = kmg, where k<= the maximum available coefficient of
friction.
Bob Sciamanda (W3NLV)
Physics, Edinboro Univ of PA (em)
trebor@velocity.net http://www.velocity.net/~trebor
----- Original Message -----
From: "John S. Denker" <jsd@MONMOUTH.COM>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 2:39 PM
Subject: Re: A free b.d. and a centripedal force question
| Several people have written
| F = ma
| = kmg
|
| The first part is indubitally correct.
| Not so the second part.
| Since this is static friction, and k is
| the coefficient of static friction, we can
| conclude that
| F = ma
| <= kmg
|
| We cannot conclude any equalities involving k.