What is the acceleration of the upper block when a horizontal force is applied?

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SUMMARY

The acceleration of the upper block (M1) with a mass of 15.0 kg, when a horizontal force of 156 N is applied, is calculated to be 5.0198 m/s². This calculation considers the kinetic friction coefficient of 0.549 between the upper block and the lower block (M2) and the gravitational force acting on M1. The frictional force opposing the motion is determined to be 80.703 N, derived from the equation F = ma, where the net force is the applied force minus the frictional force.

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Homework Statement


A block M1 of mass 15.0 kg sits on top of a larger block M2 of mass 23.7 kg which sits on a flat surface. The kinetic friction coefficient between the upper and lower block is 0.549. The kinetic friction coefficient between the lower block and the flat surface is 0.122. A horizontal force $F$ = 156 N pushes against the upper block, causing it to slide. The friction force between the blocks then causes the lower block to slide also. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the upper block.


Homework Equations



F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't even know... very confusing
 
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Have you drawn a diagram of the forces acting on each block? Can you figure out the force of friction that arises between the blocks because the upper block is sliding relative to the lower one? As the problem explains, it is this friction force that tries to move the lower block.
 
Okay so I have an attempt. I drew a free body diagram of M1. it has a gravitational force down of (15.0)(9.8)=147N so therefore has the same force being exerted back up. Then I have the 156N given going right. Then I used .549(147)=80.703N to be the frictional force going left.

So I did Fnet=ma

156N-80.703N=(15.0kg)a

and a came out to be 5.0198m/s^2

I don't know if that is right because I didnt even take the lower block into consideration, not really sure if it would affect it.
 

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