How Does Newton's 2nd Law Apply in Different Force Scenarios?

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about Newton's 2nd Law, a constant horizontal force is applied to two blocks with a combined mass of 14.0 kg, resulting in different force interactions. In the first scenario, block A exerts a 20.0 N force on block B, while in the second, block A exerts a 10.0 N force on block B. The equations derived from the free body diagrams indicate that the total force acting on the system can be used to find the acceleration and the force applied. The user is seeking guidance on solving for the acceleration and the force Fa. The discussion highlights the application of Newton's 2nd Law in analyzing forces in different scenarios.
jactre
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In Figure 5-51a, a constant horizontal force a is applied to block A, which pushes against block B with a 20.0 N force directed horizontally to the right. In Figure 5-51b, the same force is applied to block B; now block A pushes on block B with a 10.0 N force directed horizontally to the left. The blocks have a combined mass of 14.0 kg. What are the magnitudes of (a) their acceleration in Figure 5-51a and (b) force Fa?

Figure is attached

I drew a free body diagrams and came up with:
a) Fa +Fab = 14a
Fa + 20 = 14a

b) Fa -Fab = 14a
Fa - 10 = 14a

I don't know what to do from here. Any guidance is appreciated!
 

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30=14a for the first one
 
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