Q12DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

When you stand with bare feet in a wet bathtub, the grip feels fairly secure, and yet a catastrophic slip is quite possible. Explain this in terms of the two coefficients of friction.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The kinetic friction is less than the static friction that is the reason for the catastrophic slip.

Step 1: Significance of the kinetic friction

The kinetic friction is described as the force that mainly acts amongst the surfaces that moves. The kinetic friction mainly provides knowledge related to the rolling and the sliding friction of an object.

Step 2: Explanation of the problems in terms of the two frictional coefficients

For slipping, the static frictional force is needed to be overcome. The reason for slipping is that the kinetic friction is lesser than the static frictional coefficient. Moreover, the frictional force has been reduced; hence less force is required for motion. 

 

Thus, the kinetic friction is less than the static friction that is the reason for the catastrophic slip.