Force exerted by one object on another?

aishax

What force does the 4.0 kg object exert on the 10 kg object when the two are moving together?

Ofcourse, I know I did not put the previous, required information in order to solve this question. I would like to know in general how to find the magnitude of force one object exerts on another in this type of situation. Any help is greatly appreciated :)

kjohnson

I assume they mean the force of gravity between them:

F=(G(m1)(m2))/r^2

That will be the magnitude of the force between the two objects where 'G' is the gravitational constant (i believe 6.67E-11) and 'm1'&'m2' are the mass of the two objects and 'r' is the distance between them.

fizzynoob

no I think he means contact forces.

You sum the forces in each direction, then solving for the force that you wish to find. Draw a Force Diagram

kjohnson

Ah yes, that makes sense...i guess i assumed the two masses were some distance apart and moving towards each other, but instead they are touching and moving in unison. Good call.

venkatg

zero.

If the two are moving together there is force between them