Physics Technology Update (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32190-308-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-308-2

Chapter 6 - Applications of Newton's Laws - Conceptual Questions - Page 177: 17

Answer

Please see the work below.

Work Step by Step

We know that the normal force by the wall on the gecko is zero. The gecko's static friction should be large enough to exert an upward force equal to its weight to stay up on the windowpane. This requires an infinite coefficient of static friction. This is clearly not possible, so the physics involved must be more complex than our simple assumptions.
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