The coefficient of static friction can be determined using the following procedure. A block is held against a vertical wall by compressing a spring attached to the block.

If the spring has a spring constant = 531 N/m and requires a compression of 3.7 cm to just keep the block from slipping, what is the static friction coefficient between the wall and the 4.5 kg block?

1 answer

at the slip point , friction force = gravitational force

let μ = static friction coefficient

531 N/m * .037 m = 4.5 kg * g * μ