Force of Friction Change with Increasing Mass m?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a hypothetical situation involving a pulley system with a puck connected by a massless string and a mass hanging at the end of the table. The question is whether the force of friction would change as the mass hanging is increased, and why. The conversation also touches on the possibility of reducing gravity to decrease friction and the relationship between friction and the normal force.
  • #1
tnutty
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Imagine a pulley system, where a puck is connected by a massless string to a massless pulley that joins a mass m that's hanging at the end of the table.

Would the force of friction change as you increase mass m , the object that's hanging? why so?

This is not a HW question.
 
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  • #2
no, because the string and pulley are massless?
 
  • #3
tnutty said:
Imagine a pulley system, where a puck is connected by a massless string to a massless pulley that joins a mass m that's hanging at the end of the table.

Would the force of friction change as you increase mass m , the object that's hanging? why so?

This is not a HW question.

Pretty weird general interest question. Sure sounds like homework/coursework.

What is the research/work context of your question?
 
  • #4
please draw a picture
 
  • #5
tnutty said:
Would the force of friction change as you increase mass m , the object that's hanging? why so?
I assume you mean the force of friction on the puck. How would you calculate that force?
 
  • #6
tnutty, I think what you're asking is, if I could somehow "dial down" gravity (with a possibly elaborate system of pulleys and counterweights), would friction decrease?

Well, you tell me. In the case of static friction, which is what you appear to have described, does the fricative force depend on the Normal force? Or is is just whatever value is needed to oppose motion?
 

Related to Force of Friction Change with Increasing Mass m?

1. How does the force of friction change with increasing mass?

The force of friction increases with increasing mass. This is because the weight or gravitational force of an object is directly proportional to its mass. Therefore, as the mass increases, so does the weight, resulting in a greater force of friction.

2. Is the force of friction affected by the type of surface?

Yes, the force of friction can be affected by the type of surface. Different surfaces have different textures and coefficients of friction, which can impact the force of friction. For example, a rough surface will generally have a higher coefficient of friction compared to a smooth surface, resulting in a greater force of friction.

3. How does the force of friction change with an increase in the weight of an object?

The force of friction increases with an increase in the weight of an object. This is because the weight or gravitational force of an object is directly proportional to its mass. Therefore, as the weight increases, so does the force of friction.

4. Does the force of friction change when an object is on an incline?

Yes, the force of friction can change when an object is on an incline. The force of friction acts in the opposite direction of motion, so on an incline, the force of friction will act in the direction that opposes the object's movement down the incline. The steeper the incline, the greater the force of friction.

5. How does the force of friction affect the motion of an object?

The force of friction opposes the motion of an object, so it can slow down or prevent an object from moving. The amount of friction present can also determine the speed and direction of the object's motion. For example, a greater force of friction will result in a slower movement, while a smaller force of friction can allow for faster movement.

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