Side-by-Side Blocks with Force pushing it

In summary, on a frictionless, horizontal surface with three blocks in contact, a horizontal force of 18 N is applied to a block with a mass of 2 kg, while the other blocks have masses of 3 kg and 4 kg. The acceleration of the blocks is 2 m/s^2, and the resultant force on each block is 4 N, 6 N, and 8 N respectively. To find the magnitude of the contact forces between the blocks, the net force on each block can be calculated by subtracting the applied force from the resultant force.
  • #1
ifeelretarded
2
0

Homework Statement


Three blocks are in contact with each other on a frictionless, horizontal surface. A horizontal force F is applied to m1. If m1= 2 kg, m2= 3 kg, m3= 4 kg, and F= 18 N, find (a) the acceleration of the blocks, (b) the resultant force on each block, and (c) the magnitude of the contact forces between the blocks.


Homework Equations


(a) F - N12 = m1a
N21 - N23 = m2a
N32 = m3a

(b) R1 = m1a
R2 = m2a
R3 = m3a

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) I found that a= 2 m/s2

(b) R1 = 4 N
R2 = 6 N
R3 = 8 N

(c) I have no idea what "the magnitude of the contact forces between the blocks" means. Can somebody please tell me if I've done (a) and (b) right? And how to do (c)?
 
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  • #2
Hi ifeelretarded, welcome to PF.

Your part a is correct.
To find the contact force, find the net force acting on each block.
The net force acting on m1 is
F - F1 = m1*a, here F1 is the contact force between m1 and m2.
Similarity you can find tha contact force between m2 and m3.
 
  • #3
Hi ifeelretarded, welcome to PF.

Your part a is correct.
To find the contact force, find the net force acting on each block.
The net force acting on m1 is
F - F1 = m1*a, here F1 is the contact force between m1 and m2.
Similarity you can find tha contact force between m2 and m3.
 
  • #4
rl.bhat said:
Hi ifeelretarded, welcome to PF.

Your part a is correct.
To find the contact force, find the net force acting on each block.
The net force acting on m1 is
F - F1 = m1*a, here F1 is the contact force between m1 and m2.
Similarity you can find tha contact force between m2 and m3.

So F1 was already previously found in part (b)?
 
  • #5
No. R1 is the net force
R1 = 18N - F1.
Find F1.
 

1. What is a side-by-side block?

A side-by-side block refers to two or more objects that are placed next to each other and are pushed or moved by a force.

2. What is force pushing?

Force pushing refers to the application of a force on an object to cause it to move or change its state of motion.

3. How do side-by-side blocks with force pushing work?

When a force is applied to one of the blocks, it will transfer to the other blocks through contact. This causes the blocks to move in the direction of the force applied.

4. What are some examples of side-by-side blocks with force pushing?

Some examples include pushing a shopping cart, pulling a wagon, or sliding a heavy object across the floor.

5. What is the scientific principle behind side-by-side blocks with force pushing?

Side-by-side blocks with force pushing demonstrate Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The force applied to the first block causes an equal force on the second block, resulting in movement.

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