Calculating Contact Forces Between Blocks on a Frictionless Surface

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the contact forces between three blocks (M1, M2, M3) on a frictionless surface when a horizontal force (F) is applied to M1. The blocks have masses M1 = 1.67 kg, M2 = 2.67 kg, and M3 = 3.78 kg, with F = 16.1 N. The user attempted to use the formula P = (M2/(M1 + M2)) x F for the contact force between blocks 1 and 2, and P = (M3/(M2 + M3)) x F for the contact force between blocks 2 and 3, but reported incorrect results. The correct approach involves using Newton's second law to derive the contact forces accurately.

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  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
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  • Review Newton's second law and its application in multi-body systems
  • Study the concept of contact forces in frictionless environments
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of contact forces in frictionless systems.

Lannie
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This problem seemed very straightforward but I've somehow missed something...

Three blocks (M1, M2, M3) are in contact with each other on a frictionless, horizontal surface. A horizontal force is applied to M1.

If M1= 1.67kg, M2= 2.67kg, M3= 3.78kg, and F= 16.1 N:

a) what is the magnitude of the contact force between blocks 1 and 2
b) what is the magnitude of the contact force between blocks 2 and 3


I used the formula P=(M2/M1+M2) x F to find these contact forces, but the answers I got were not correct.

for a) I calculated P= (2.67/1.67+2.67) x 16.1
and for b) I calculated P= (3.78/2.67+3.78) x 16.1

This seemed like it should lead to the right answer, but it didn't work. Anyone know what I've done wrong?
 
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that makes sense :) thanks for the help
 

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