ABSTRACT

The coefficient of friction, μ, is a measure of the amount of friction existing between two surfaces. A low value of coefficient of friction indicates that the force required for sliding to occur is less than the force required when the coefficient of friction is high. The value of the coefficient of friction is given by:

μ = frictional force (F ) (N)

Transposing gives:

frictional force = μ × normal force, i.e. F = μN

The direction of the forces given in this equation is as shown in Figure 15.2.