Newtons Third Law Involving three objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted by box C on box B in a system of three boxes (A, B, and C) on a frictionless surface, where an applied force causes an acceleration of 1.5 m/s². Given the masses of the boxes (ma = 8 kg, mb = 10 kg, mc = 5 kg), the net force (Fnet) acting on the system is derived using the equation Fnet = MA. The recommended approach includes drawing free body diagrams for the entire system and for each box individually to clarify the forces at play.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Ability to create and interpret free body diagrams
  • Basic knowledge of mass and acceleration concepts
  • Familiarity with frictionless surface dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the net force acting on the entire system of boxes using Fnet = MA.
  • Draw and analyze free body diagrams for each box (A, B, and C) to visualize forces.
  • Explore the implications of frictionless surfaces in Newtonian mechanics.
  • Study the interactions between multiple objects under applied forces in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and forces, as well as educators looking for examples of Newton's laws in action.

ImranyZ
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Homework Statement


Three boxes, A, B, C, are positioned next to each other on a friction-less surface, an applied force acting on box A causes all the boxes to accelerate at 1.5 m/s/s. Calculate the force exerted by box C on box B. ma= 8 kg mb=10 kg mc= 5 kg

Homework Equations



Fnet=MA

The Attempt at a Solution


Fa=FNet-FconB
10.0 kg(1.5 m/s/s)-5.0kg(1.5m/s/s)=FNet

I am unsure if I am right
 
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First step, try drawing a free body diagram.

Second compute Fnet which is moving the three masses at 1.5m/s/s.
 
Maybe you could explicitly define your terms?

I would recommend to do a free body diagram for each of the following:
1) the entire block a+b+c system
2) block a by itself
3) block b by itself
 

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