Force exerted by one object on another?

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To determine the force exerted by a 4.0 kg object on a 10 kg object when they are moving together, it's essential to consider the contact forces rather than gravitational forces. The correct approach involves summing the forces acting on each object and using a force diagram for clarity. Since the objects are touching and moving in unison, the force between them is not due to gravity but rather the contact force exerted as they move together. Understanding the dynamics of the situation clarifies that the force in question is related to their interaction while in contact. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of forces in physics.
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What force does the 4.0 kg object exert on the 10 kg object when the two are moving together?

Ofcourse, I know I did not put the previous, required information in order to solve this question. I would like to know in general how to find the magnitude of force one object exerts on another in this type of situation. Any help is greatly appreciated :)
 
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I assume they mean the force of gravity between them:

F=(G(m1)(m2))/r^2

That will be the magnitude of the force between the two objects where 'G' is the gravitational constant (i believe 6.67E-11) and 'm1'&'m2' are the mass of the two objects and 'r' is the distance between them.
 
no I think he means contact forces.

You sum the forces in each direction, then solving for the force that you wish to find. Draw a Force Diagram
 
fizzynoob said:
no I think he means contact forces.

You sum the forces in each direction, then solving for the force that you wish to find. Draw a Force Diagram

Ah yes, that makes sense...i guess i assumed the two masses were some distance apart and moving towards each other, but instead they are touching and moving in unison. Good call.
 
zero.

If the two are moving together there is force between them
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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