How to find Coeff of kinetic friction without mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the coefficient of kinetic friction using a setup that includes a string, two identical blocks, a pulley, and measuring tapes. The key insight is that mass can cancel out in the calculations, allowing the coefficient of friction to be expressed in terms of gravitational acceleration (g) and measurable quantities. Participants emphasize the importance of listing relevant equations and proposing experimental methods to derive the coefficient without knowing the mass of the blocks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concept of friction and its coefficients
  • Basic knowledge of experimental design in physics
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the coefficient of kinetic friction using experimental methods
  • Learn about the role of gravitational acceleration (g) in friction experiments
  • Explore Newton's second law and its application in friction scenarios
  • Investigate common experimental setups for measuring friction coefficients
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in experimental physics methodologies for measuring friction.

pierce_E
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Homework Statement


For my Physics lab this is what my teacher handed me... I have no idea how to attack the situation, can someone help solve?
Devise a procedure for an experiment which will measure the coefficient of kinetic friction between a block of unknown mass m and the table, where the only equipment which can be used is the following:
1) A string of negligible mass
2) two blocks of unknown identical masses which are able to be attached to string
3) a pulley
4) measuring tape(s)
Derive an expression for the coefficient of friction between the table and the block in terms of g and quantities measured with the equipment above.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Hello Pierce, :welcome:

First post on PF and you bump into a culture issue: the guidelines require an attempt on your part.
List the equations that you think are relevant,
Describe some experiments that would help you determine relevant variables, etc.

And don't worry: mass might well divide away and thus drop out of the calculations.
 

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