Two blocks are in contact on a frictionless table. A horizontal force is applied

Question

Two blocks are in contact on a frictionless table. A horizontal force is applied to the larger block, as shown in the figure, (a) If m_1 = 2.3 kg, m_2 = 1.3 kg, and F = 3.1 N, find the magnitude of the force between the two blocks, (b) Assume instead that a force of the same magnitude F is applied to the smaller block but in the opposite direction, and calculate the magnitude of the force between the blocks. (Why is the value calculated in (b) not the same as that calculated in (a)?) Number Units Number Units

Explanation / Answer

a)

F = applied force = 3.1 N

a = acceleration of the combination

assuming the two blocks as one , acceleration is given as

a = F /(m1 + m2) = 3.1 /(2.3 + 1.3) = 0.86 m/s2

f = force between the blocks

f = m2 a = 1.3 x 0.86 = 1.12 N

b)

Since applied force acts on m2

f = m1 a = 2.3 x 0.86 = 1.98 N

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