- #1
EricSomin
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Homework Statement
Blocks with masses of 2kg , 4kg , and 6kg are lined up in a row on a frictionless table. All three are pushed forward by a 60 force applied to the 2 block.
how much force does the 4kg block exert on the 6kg block?
how much force does the 4kg block exert on the 2kg block?
Homework Equations
Newtons Laws. and sum of forces.
The Attempt at a Solution
now i understand Newtons laws of action and reaction. so I am assuming the amount of force acting on the 2kg block from the 4kg block is the same as the 4kg block from the 2kg block.
(wouldnt this mean the system is in equilibrium though?)
anyway, I am confused by how to approach this problem. there is no friction, so wouldn't any force at all cause these blocks to start moving?
if there is no friction, why would the force exerted on the 4kg block from the 2kg block be any different than the force exerted directly onto the 2kg block (60.0N)...wouldnt any force cause the system to accelerate since there is no friction to overcome...
i understand conceptually that m(g) is the force of gravity acting on the block in N. but how would that translate into the loss of force between the blocks of different mass...?im rambling mostly because I am lost with this, how should i begin to approach this problem?
any help at all is greatly appreciated.