How do you calculate the coefficient of friction for a block?

The coefficient of friction (μ) is a measure that describes the ratio of the frictional force resisting the motion of an object to the normal force acting on it. This calculation reflects how much frictional force is generated for a given normal force, which is essentially the force perpendicular to the contact surface.

When using the formula μ = Friction Force ÷ Normal Force, it shows that as the frictional force increases relative to the normal force, the coefficient of friction also increases, indicating a greater resistance to sliding. This is crucial in understanding how different surfaces interact and how much force is needed to overcome friction when moving an object.

In contrast, the other options presented do not correctly describe the relationship between friction force and normal force in calculating the coefficient of friction. The use of subtraction or addition does not reflect the physical relationship between these forces, which is defined through division in this context. Thus, the correct method is through the division of the friction force by the normal force.