According to my understanding: - two orthogonal forces aren't related and two orthogonal vectors don't affect each other - the force of static friction Fs depends on the gravitational force Fg, so Fs = -Fg*c = -m*g*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 gravitational force?