The
coefficient of static friction is a coefficient of proportionality which
relates the force necessary for a block to begin to slide and the
normal force.
As it is a coefficient of forces it lacks units:. (The force necessary for a
block to begin to slide is equal to the maximum force of friction)
You can see the values for
some surfaces by clicking here
.
It is important to distinguish
between this coefficient and the coefficient of kinetic
friction.( mk).
The following expression always applies ms >mk.
Study the following visual to see how
this coefficient varies and to understand its meaning more clearly.
Observe how the force of friction varies, depending on the traction
force, until it reaches a maximum value. From this point on, the force
of friction is associated with the coefficient of kinetic
friction.