The frictional force in this case depends on the two types of materials interacting (described by the coefficient μk) and how hard these two surfaces are pushed together (the normal force).

Since there is a normal force on the rope, there can also be a frictional force. Of course this is a rope rubbing against smooth steel so that it might not normally be a huge frictional force.

The lateral force measurement was obtained immediately after each normal force measurement over the same locations. However, a given lateral force measurement was repeated 10 times on a single ...