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BioPhysicist
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How can static friction depend on the normal force, but be directed orthogonal to it?

According to my understanding:

  • two orthogonal forces aren't related and two orthogonal vectors don't affect each other
  • the force of static friction $F_s$ depends on the normal force $F_n$, so $F_s = F_n\cdot c$ ($c$ being the static friction coefficient)

If these two are correct, how can the force of static friction, determined by a force normal to the surface, be directed tangential to the surface and orthogonal to the normal force?

TheCosmicOne
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