where
µ is
the coefficient of friction and
g is the
acceleration due to the gravitational force. Aristotle was able to
recognize that for this system a constant force would be required to
overcome the resisting force of the friction within the system.
Aristotle also studied systems of uniform motion wherein a massive body
would fall through a resitive medium like air or water. For these
systems Aristotle incorrectly claimed that the terminal velocity was
inversely proportional to the cross sectional area of the falling
object, rather than the radius. It actually wasnt until the nineteenth
century that these systems were correctly analyzed by Stokes, and
Aristotle's theories were left behind. So it seems that Aristotle
actually came close to making a correct description of these
situations.