Calculating Int. Forces: Why the Difference?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of internal forces between two boxes of different masses, m1 and m2, when subjected to the same external force. It is established that regardless of whether the force is applied to box m1 or box m2, the total force remains constant due to the combined mass (m1 + m2). However, the internal forces experienced by each box differ based on which box is being pushed, leading to a nuanced understanding of force distribution in a system of connected masses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of force and mass relationships
  • Familiarity with concepts of internal and external forces
  • Ability to interpret physical scenarios involving multiple objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's second law of motion in detail
  • Explore the concept of internal forces in multi-body systems
  • Learn about force diagrams and free-body diagrams
  • Investigate real-world applications of force distribution in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of force interactions in systems with multiple masses.

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I know that you can calculate that if two boxes next to each other of different masses are pushed on end 1 and on end 2 with the same force have different internal forces... But I can't think of the physical meaning why?
 
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I have absolutely no idea what you mean by "different internal forces". Perhaps it would help if you told us what you mean by "end 1" and "end 2".


I might guess that you mean you have two boxes, of masses m1[/sup] and m2 abutting and by "pushed on end 1 and end 2" you mean on the one hand pushing on box of mass m1 so that both move or on the other pushing on the box of mass m2 so that they both move.

The obvious points are: Either way, since you are accelerating the same mass, m1+ m2, in the same way, you must apply the same force. However, is m1 < m2, the force that box m2 must apply to it, it you are pushing on box m2, is less than the force box m1 must apply to box m2 if you are pushing on box m1.
 
yikes... i should brush up on my english! thank you for trying to understand my broken english and helping me with my problems!
 

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