Two blocks of masses m_1 and m_2 (m_1 > m_2) are placed on a frictionless table

Question

Two blocks of masses m_1 and m_2 (m_1 > m_2) are placed on a frictionless table in contact with each other. A horizontal force of magnitude F is applied to the block of mass m_1 in Figure P4.32. If P is the magnitude of the contact force between the blocks, draw the free-body diagrams for each block. What is the net force on the system consisting of both blocks? What is the net force acting on m_1? What is the net force acting on m_2? Write the x-component of Newton's second law for each block. Solve the resulting system of two equations and two unknowns, expressing the acceleration a and contact force P in terms of the masses and force. How would the answers change if the force had been applied to ma instead? Is the contact force larger, smaller, or the same in this case? Why?

Explanation / Answer

Net force acting on system = F

Net Force acting on m1 = F - P

Net Force acting on m2 =   P

Thus, acceleration of system = F/(m1 + m2)

acceleration of m1 = (F - P)/m1

acceleration of m2 = P/m2

If force applied to m2 -

Net force acting on system = F

Net Force acting on m1 = P

Net Force acting on m2 =   F - P

Thus, acceleration of system = F/(m1 + m2)

acceleration of m1 = (P)/m1

acceleration of m2 = (F - P)/m2

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