Find the force that the larger box exerts on the smaller box

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two boxes of books stacked in an elevator, with specific masses and a known normal force between the floor and the bottom box. The objective is to determine the force exerted by the larger box on the smaller box, considering the effects of the elevator's acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to draw a free body diagram and question the acceleration of the elevator, including its direction. There is an emphasis on using the normal force and mass to find the elevator's acceleration as a step in the problem-solving process.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the given normal force and the need to determine the elevator's acceleration. Guidance has been offered regarding the importance of a free body diagram and the application of Newton's second law.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted absence of information regarding the elevator's acceleration, which is critical for solving the problem. Participants are encouraged to derive this information based on the provided data.

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Homework Statement


Two boxes of books are stacked and placed on the floor of an elevator.
the masses of the bottom and top boxes are 9.5kg and 2.5kg respectively. The normal force between the floor and the bottom box is 70N.
Determine the force that the larger box exerts on the smaller box.

Homework Equations


f=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


The answer is 15N {up} . I got 93 N. (9.81m/s^2 *9.5kg)
 
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First, draw a free body diagram.
What is the acceleration of the elevator? And more importantly, what is it's direction?
You've been given the normal force and the mass...
 
billy_joule said:
First, draw a free body diagram.
What is the acceleration of the elevator? And more importantly, what is it's direction?
You've been given the normal force and the mass...
its not given
 
What's not given? The acceleration of the elevator? Clearly that's not given.

You need to find it yourself, it's the second step to solving the problem, after drawing a diagram.
Like I said, you've been given a force and a mass, you've already shown you know how to use Newtons second law and that you know "g". Once you have your diagram solve for aelevator.
 

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