Calculating Force F Required for Frictionless Blocks to Remain at Rest

AI Thread Summary
To determine the force F required to keep blocks M1 and M2 at rest relative to block M, the acceleration due to M2's weight must be countered. Since there is no friction, the force F must provide enough horizontal push to prevent M2 from falling. The condition for M1 to remain stationary with respect to M is that M1 must not move, which means M2 must also remain in place. Therefore, the applied force F must balance the gravitational force acting on M2. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
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Homework Statement



What is the magnitude of force F (which is pushing from the left on M) required to keep M1 and M2 relatively at rest to M?

Ignore all friction.

See attached diagram


Homework Equations



Newton's laws

The Attempt at a Solution



Well...If M is at rest, M1 and M2 will have an acceleration due to M2's weight.
When force F appears though, M2 will be pushed horizontally by M since they are in contact.

That's all I know atm.
 

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The question asks about a force on M that allows "M1 and M2 to remain relatively at rest to M".

So what is the condition between M1 and M, such that M1 stays at rest with respect to M? If M1 does not move with respect to M, the M2 doesn't fall.
 

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