Three blocks with masses m1, m2, and m3 are lined up in a row on a frictionless

Question

Three blocks with masses m1, m2, and m3 are lined up in a row on a frictionless table. All three are pushed forward by a horizontal force FAon1 applied to the first block (m1) only.
a) Using the variables given above, find the force that the second block (m2) exerts on the third block (m3).
b) Find the force that the second block (m2) exerts on the first block (m1).
c) Check your answers for parts a) and b) using values of m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 2 kg, m3 = 3kg,
and FAon1 = 12 N. Do your answers seem reasonable?

Explanation / Answer

Okay so think about it, you push the first block which pushes the second block that pushes the third one. so the only thing pushing the third one is the second block so the force is m2*a. Now, when you push the first block, the second and third block try to stop the first block from moving and you have to overcome both forces to push the first block, so the force on the first block is (m2+m3)*a Fnet = (m1+m2+m3)*a = 12N (1+2+3)*a = 5*a=12 a =12/5 = 2.4 m/s

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