What is the correct method for solving this Newton's Third Law problem?

[Precursor]

[SOLVED] Newton's Third Law problem

Homework Statement

Three boxes, A, B, and C, are positioned next to each other on a horizontal, frictionless surface. An applied force acting on box A causes all the boxes to accelerate at 1.5m/s^{2}<div style="text-align: right">&#8203;</div>

. Calculate the force that box B exerts on box A.

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/8836/thirdlaw2cf8.png​

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Homework Equations

F_{A on B}= -F_{B on A}
F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution

What seems to be the issue is how my teacher solved this problem. What she did is isolate box B and find the F_{net} acting on it. This is the calculation she did:

F_{net}= F_{A on B} - F_{C on B}
F_{net}= m_{B}a - (-m_{C}a)
F_{net}= (10 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2}) + (5.0 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2})
F_{net}= 23 N

Therefore, she says that F_{B on A} = 23 N <div style="text-align: left">&#8203;</div>

.

However, what confused me is the two negative signs she put infront of m_{C}a. I think only one would suffice to take into consideration that F_{C on B} is a negative value, being that its direction is left.

I solved this problem taking a different approach. I found F_{net} of box B and C, and added them together. Here are my calculations:

F_{net}= m_{B}a + m_{C}a
F_{net}= (10 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2}) + (5.0 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2})
F_{net}= 23 N <div style="text-align: left">&#8203;</div>

Could someone please confirm whether my method of solving the problem is correct or not?​

 

[Shooting Star]

You can find the total force. You know the mass of A. So, you know the force B applies back on A.

 

[Precursor]

I found the total force that box B and C exerted on box A.

 

[Shooting Star]

Why does C have to come into the picture?

F_A = F_net - F_B_on_A =>

M_A*a = M_tot*a - F_B_on_A.

I think this is conceptually the simplest. Ultimately, after algebra, all the methods are the same.

 

[kamerling]

What seems to be the issue is how my teacher solved this problem. What she did is isolate box B and find the F_{net} acting on it. This is the calculation she did:

F_{net}= F_{A on B} - F_{C on B}
F_{net}= m_{B}a - (-m_{C}a)
F_{net}= (10 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2}) + (5.0 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2})
F_{net}= 23 N

Therefore, she says that F_{B on A} = 23 N <div style="text-align: left">&#8203;</div>

.

However, what confused me is the two negative signs she put infront of m_{C}a.​

your teacher has F_{B on A} pointing in the opposite direction as F_{A on B}
This is rather confusing. First you need a minus sign in the first formula, because the two forces acting on B now point in opposite directions, and then you need another minus sign in F_{C on B}=-m_{C}a. It's Easier to have positive=rightwards for all forces and accelerations.
What's worse is that between the first and the second line of her calculations, The meaning of F_{net} changes, at first it's the net force on B, but then it's the net force on B and C as you had. It seems she changed her mind in mid-calculation.

Your calculation is ok.​

 

[Shooting Star]

I solved this problem taking a different approach. I found F_{net} of box B and C, and added them together. Here are my calculations:

F_{net}= m_{B}a + m_{C}a
F_{net}= (10 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2}) + (5.0 Kg)(1.5m/s^{2})
F_{net}= 23 N <div style="text-align: left">&#8203;</div>

Could someone please confirm whether my method of solving the problem is correct or not?​

Regardless of the value you have got, why are you calling the sum of the forces on B and C as Fnet(left). Fnet is the force which is making all the boxes go.​

 

[HallsofIvy]

Boxes A, B, and C have total mass 23 kg. If they are acceletated at 1.5 m/s², the force must F= ma= (23)(1.5)= 34.5 Newtons- and it is exerted upon A directly. A alone has mass 8 kg. In order to accelerate it alone at 1.5m /s², it must be pushed by a net force of F_net= (8)(1.5)= 12 Newtons. What force must B be exerting on A?

 

[Shooting Star]

Hi Halls,

That's exactly what I've given in post #4 (without the littersome numericals, of course).

 

[Precursor]

So my mistake was solving for F_{net}? What if instead I had F_{A on B} = 23N <div style="text-align: right">&#8203;</div>

, and according to Newton's Third Law, F_{B on A} = 23N <div style="text-align: left">&#8203;</div>

?​

 

[Shooting Star]

Would you do it leaving C out of it? Or you just can't give up your method? It happens to all of us.

 

[Precursor]

I suppose your method of solving the problem is easier. It makes me realize just how many ways one can go about solving such problems. Thanks for the help.