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Why does the source describe the friction coefficients in its table as only an approximate description of friction?
ABecause coefficients of friction cannot be measured by any method
BBecause friction coefficients change every time an experiment is repeated
CBecause the table lists a coefficient for only one material pair
DBecause those coefficients are given to only one or two digits of precision
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Because those coefficients are given to only one or two digits of precision
1. Friction coefficients in the table are given to only one or, at most, two significant digits.
2. It calls that low precision an indication that the two friction equations only approximately describe real friction.
3. The reason given is precision of the stated values, not that the coefficients constantly change or cannot be measured.
4. The table in question lists many different material pairs, so the single-pair option is also incorrect.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 5 "Further Applications of Newton's Laws: Friction, Drag, and Elasticity", section 5.1 Friction_
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