Force Exerted by Blocks on a Frictionless Surface

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three blocks of varying masses (5 kg, 10 kg, and 25 kg) positioned on a frictionless surface, with a force applied to the leftmost block. Participants are discussing the forces exerted between the blocks based on the applied force and their respective masses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Newton's laws, particularly F = ma, to determine the acceleration of the blocks and the forces between them. There is a discussion about the correctness of the calculated acceleration and the total mass of the blocks.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the correctness of the first part of the problem while others are questioning the calculations and assumptions regarding the total mass and acceleration. There is an ongoing exploration of the forces exerted between the blocks, particularly for parts b and c of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, with some reliance on software for validation of answers. There is a noted correction regarding the total mass of the blocks, which affects the calculations.

farrah003
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1. Homework Statement

Blocks of mass 5, 10, and 25 kg are lined up from left to right in that order on a frictionless surface so each block is touching the next one. A rightward-pointing force of magnitude 14 N is applied to the left-most block.

a) What is the magnitude of the force that the middle block exerts on the rightmost one?
Fright, middle = 8.749999995
b) What is the magnitude of the force that the leftmost block exerts on the middle one?
Fmiddle, left = ?
c) Suppose now that the left-right order of the blocks is reversed. Now find the magnitude of the force that the leftmost block exerts on the middle one?
F'middle, left = ?


i figured out the first part i just need help to do the last two
 
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I don't think (a) is right. Here's what I would do.

F = ma

The force pushing on the blocks is equal to their total mass times their acceleration but we have to solve for acceleration.

14 = 30a

a = 7/15

Use F = ma for every question and don't forget Newton's 3rd law
 
part a is correct because the homework is on a software and it accepted my answer
 
how did you get a
 
Nevermind. I screwed up. The total mass of the blocks is equal to 40 not 30. So a is right.
 

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