Final answer:
The minimum coefficient of static friction that is needed to prevent an object from slipping is determined by the object's weight and the normal force acting on the object, contrary to the claim that it's inversely proportional to the applied force or irrelevant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is physics, as it relates to the concept of friction and specifically static friction. The minimum coefficient of static friction to prevent slipping is determined by the weight of the object and the normal force exerted by the surface on which the object rests. The coefficient of static friction (μs) is a unitless value typically ranging between 0 and 1 and is influenced by the materials in contact. Let's look at an example using a 100 kg crate at rest on a horizontal surface. The normal force (N) is equal to its weight, W = mg = (100 kg)(9.80 m/s²) = 980 N. With a μs of 0.45, the maximum static friction force that must be overcome to move the crate is fs(max) = μsN = (0.45)(980 N) = 440 N. If the applied force is less than 440 N, the crate will not slide due to sufficient friction provided by the μs of 0.45.