Collision in frictionless surface

[Smileyxx]

Homework Statement

three numbered cubes each of mass m placed in contact on a frictionless horizontal surface. A steady horizontal force P is applied to the end surface of 1st cube.
question:will the force on each cube be P/3?

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Smileyxx!

question:will the force on each cube be P/3?

Hint: what is the acceleration of each cube?

 

[Smileyxx]

Its P/3m so force is P/3.ohh ya! But is always the force distributed equal in frictionless surface?

 

[tiny-tim]

Its P/3m so force is P/3.ohh ya! But is always the force distributed equal in frictionless surface?

Yes, if the masses are equal, then the net forces must be the same.

So if the friction forces are equal (or all zero), then the applied forces must be the same.

 

[Smileyxx]

Yes, if the masses are equal, then the net forces must be the same.

So if the friction forces are equal (or all zero), then the applied forces must be the same.

Thanks a lot bro