What Forces Act on Each Book in a Stack with Different Masses?

[Faiza]

TWO BOOKS ARE STACKED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER ON A LEVEL TABLE. THE MASS OF THE UPPER BOOK IS GREATER THAN THE MASS OF THE LOWER BOOK. WHAT FORCES ARE EXERTED ON THE UPPER BOOK AND LOWER BOOK? DO ANY OF THESE FORCES HAVE EQUAL MAGNITUDE?

HELP IM A FIRST TIME PHYSICS STUDENT THIS IS SO HARD!

 

[vsage]

Please in the future 1. Do not post threads that have excessive random character usage and 2. Please don't make posts in all capitals.

Since all the objects are in static equilibrium (not moving), the sum of the forces on all of the objects in question are equal to zero. For the top book this means that the force of gravity pushing down on it is being negated by the normal force pushing upward from the book beneath it. I think you can probably extend these ideas to the book on the bottom

 

[M98Ranger]

First, let's look at the forces acting on the stack of books. The main forces are gravity and normal force. Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the earth, while the normal force is the force that prevents objects from falling through a surface. In this case, the table is providing the normal force to the stack of books.

Now, let's look at the individual forces on the books. The upper book has the force of gravity pulling it down towards the lower book, while the lower book has the force of gravity pulling it towards the table. The upper book also has the normal force from the lower book pushing it upwards, while the lower book has the normal force from the table pushing it upwards.

Since the mass of the upper book is greater than the lower book, the force of gravity on the upper book will be greater than that on the lower book. However, the normal forces on both books will be equal in magnitude, as they are being pushed upwards by the same surface.

I understand that this may be confusing at first, but with practice and further study, you will get a better understanding of these concepts. Don't hesitate to ask your teacher or classmates for help if you are still struggling. Keep at it, and you will get the hang of it!