- #1
Mersenne
- 2
- 0
Homework Statement
Two boxes $A$ and $B$ are connect4d by a lightweight cord and are resting on a frictionless surface. The boxes have masses of 12.0 kg and 10.0 kg. A horizontal force $F_p$ of 40 N is applied to the 10 kg box. Find the acceleration of each box and the tension in the cord between them.
Homework Equations
Newton's 2nd law: $\sum F_{x} = ma_x$Is the force $F_p$ the same on both the boxes? If so, why?
To calculate the answers, I need to assume that $\sum F_{x}$ on box A and box B are the same, $F_T$, the force on the thread, is acting in one direction opposing $F_{p}$ on box $A$ and $F_T$ is acting on box $B$ in the same direction as box A.
I can solve it but am unable to find a rationale for $F_x$ being the same on both boxes where $F_x$ is the sum of all forces acting on each box.