Calculating Net Force on Boxes of Different Masses in Contact

In summary, when pushing on box G with a horizontal force F, box H will experience a net force of 2/3F due to the fact that it has twice the mass of box G. This can be determined by finding the combined acceleration of both boxes and using the equation F=ma.
  • #1
harrycc
5
0

Homework Statement


Two boxes full of books are in contact with each other on a smooth table. Box H has twice the mass of Box G. If you push on box G with a horizontal force F, then box H will expereince a net force of?


Homework Equations



F =ma

The Attempt at a Solution


answer from answer key is 2/3F


I though since the mass of H is twice of G, the F needed will be 2F... but I am wrong.. Please help with the question! Thank You
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
First you need to find the acceleration of both blocks combined. If you call box H = 2G then you can write an equation F= (G + 2G) a.

Solve this for a = F/3G. Now consider the net force on box H to make it accelerate with an acceleration of F/3G. FH = 2G * F/3G
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
Thank You so much! You are very helpful!
 

1. What is Newton's First Law of Motion?

Newton's First Law of Motion, also known as the Law of Inertia, states that an object will remain at rest or in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

2. What is Newton's Second Law of Motion?

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.

3. What is Newton's Third Law of Motion?

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, when one object exerts a force on another object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first object.

4. How do Newton's Laws of Motion relate to each other?

The three laws of motion work together to explain the behavior of objects in motion. The first law explains the tendency of objects to maintain their state of motion, the second law explains how forces affect an object's motion, and the third law explains the equal and opposite forces between interacting objects.

5. What is the practical application of Newton's Laws of Motion?

Newton's Laws of Motion have numerous practical applications in our everyday lives, such as in the design of vehicles and structures, understanding the behavior of projectiles, and predicting the motion of objects in space. They also form the basis for many engineering and scientific principles and have greatly contributed to advancements in technology and transportation.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
933
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
359
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
215
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
573
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
44
Views
1K
Back
Top