Physics Commons^™

Choose Wisely: Static Or Kinetic Friction—The Power Of Dimensionless Plots, Daniel O. Ludwigsen, Kathryn A. Svinarich

Daniel Ludwigsen

Consider a problem of sliding blocks, one stacked atop the other, resting on a friction-less table. If the bottom block is pulled horizontally, nature makes a choice: if the applied force is small, static friction between the blocks accelerates the blocks together, but with a large force the blocks slide apart. In that case, kinetic friction still forces the upper block forward but with less acceleration than the lower block. The choice, then, lies in the relative terms—what is meant by small and large? After a confusing experience during a recent exam, we’ve found a demonstration and graphical presentation that …