Describe the role of normal force in static friction and how it affects the maximum static frictional force.

The normal force is the perpendicular force exerted by a surface against an object resting on it. It plays a crucial role in determining the maximum static frictional force, which is given by the equation:
𝐹
𝑠
,
max
=
𝜇
𝑠
𝑁
F
s,max
​
=μ
s
​
N where
𝐹
𝑠
,
max
F
s,max
​
is the maximum static frictional force,
𝜇
𝑠
μ
s
​
is the coefficient of static friction, and
𝑁
N is the normal force. An increase in the normal force leads to an increase in the maximum static frictional force, allowing more force to be applied before the object begins to move.