How to find mass of block from static friction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a block using static friction principles and Newton's Laws. Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a Free Body Diagram (FBD) to visualize forces acting on the block. The correct approach involves using the equation F=ma, where the force can be derived from the static friction formula. The final calculation presented concludes that the mass of the block is 2.555 kg based on the derived force and acceleration values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Knowledge of Free Body Diagrams (FBD)
  • Familiarity with static friction concepts
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static friction in detail
  • Learn how to effectively draw and interpret Free Body Diagrams
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's Laws in real-world scenarios
  • Practice solving mass and force problems using different acceleration values
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the application of static friction and Newton's Laws in problem-solving.

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Okay. If you haven't, draw a Free Body Diagram (FBD). It might help you to visualize what is going on.

Good start solving for the max static friction. Think about where the force comes from. What is F in it's most basic form (Think of Newton's Laws)? Once you have that, look at the FBD and see what you know and what you don't know.

If you're still having troubles then, let us know where you get stuck and we'll see what we can do to assist.
 
So if F=ma, and I know the acceleration could I solve for the mass? But I feel like that would just be circular. Perhaps I would solve for the force by using F=m(g-a)? So the force is 31.572=m(9.8+2.556), so m=2.555kg. Am I thinking in the right direction?
 

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