How Many Forces on the Bottom Block?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bgerst103
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Block Forces
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the number of forces acting on the bottom block of a stacked arrangement of three blocks. Gravity acts on the bottom block, and the second block exerts a force on it. There is a debate about whether the force from the top block, which acts on the second block, should also be considered as acting on the bottom block. A free body diagram is suggested as a useful tool for visualizing the forces. Additionally, the contact force with the table is highlighted as an important factor in the total count of forces.
Bgerst103
Messages
32
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Three blocks are stacked on top of each other. How many forces are on the bottom block?
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
e. 4

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I know this is a very simple question, I just feel like it's easy to tricked. Obviously gravity is acting on the bottom block. The second block is also acting on the bottom block. However, the top block is acting on the second block, does this count as it also acting on the bottom block? It's either 2 or 3 forces I just can't decide which.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm leaning towards 2 since the top and bottom block aren't in direct contact.
 
Draw a free body diagram for the bottom block. This will tell you right away what forces are acting on it.

Chet
 
What about the contact force with the table?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Friction problem of a block sandwiched between 2 surfaces
Replies
6
Views
1K
Force pulling on a string at an angle with a block at the other end
Replies
2
Views
1K
Finding the work done by a block
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why Does the Friction Force Not Match in the Two Block Problem?
Replies
15
Views
3K
Finding the normal force of a block under water, under pressure
Replies
10
Views
2K
Calculating Net Force of 3 Blocks in an Elevator
Replies
9
Views
2K
How friction acts on a block moving down a slope moving side to side
Replies
2
Views
829
Find acceleration between two blocks (bottom block)
Replies
11
Views
2K
What will the FBD of 2 blocks being pulled look like?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Block on an accelerating wedge (part c only)
Replies
12
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top