Quick thing How did they get this?

  • Thread starter Thread starter neutron star
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the contact force between two masses, mA and mB, in a system where an applied force (F) is distributed among three equal masses. The acceleration is determined using the formula a = F/3m. The contact force is derived by considering the force required to accelerate the remaining two masses, which is equal to the force exerted by the first mass on them. This approach clarifies the relationship between applied force, acceleration, and contact force in a multi-mass system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Basic principles of force and acceleration
  • Concept of contact forces in physics
  • Ability to solve equations involving multiple masses
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Newton's Second Law in multi-body systems
  • Learn about contact forces and their applications in physics problems
  • Explore examples of force distribution in systems with equal masses
  • Investigate the role of friction in contact force calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding force interactions in multi-mass systems.

neutron star
Messages
78
Reaction score
1
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=259689

In that thread how did the person figure out the contact force between mA and mB? I know they got the acceleration by doing F/mA+mB. But I don't get how they got the contact force, because all the blocks are equal mass. Something like F-a*(10+10/2)? What are they multiplying the F-a by?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the problem applied force is given, masses are given. Find the acceleration.
a = F/3m.
For the time being, forget the first mass.
How much force is to be applied to the remaining two masses to have the acceleration a?
That is the contact force acted by the first mass on the remaining two masses.
 

Similar threads

Mechanics question: Three masses and a pulley on a tabletop
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
How can I determine the instant the block overcomes static friction?
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
4K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Forces help -- 2 masses, a pulley and friction....
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Two Blocks and a pulley (Equation derivation)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
What Is The Maximum Force The Locust Exerted on The Plate?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
Why do I keep getting friction coefficient as a negative?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Block tied to a fixed string on an accelerating wedge
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
Three Blocks Connected Concepts
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Three-mass System with Friction
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K