Why Is There No Normal Force on the Second Block in Contact Systems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of normal forces in a system of two blocks in contact when a force is applied to one of them. Participants are exploring the interactions between the blocks and the forces at play in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the presence and nature of normal forces between the two blocks, particularly in relation to their contact and the applied force. There is an exploration of the forces acting on each block and how they relate to one another.

Discussion Status

Some participants have clarified that the forces discussed are indeed normal forces acting between the blocks. There appears to be an ongoing examination of the definitions and implications of these forces in the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the interactions between the blocks without assuming additional external forces or constraints beyond the applied force and their mutual contact.

whoareyou
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If there are 2 blocks beside each other and a force is applied to the first block, the first block will push the second block has well. This means that the two blocks are in contact. So why isn't there a normal force drawn perpendicular to the side of the second block if it is in contact with another surface other than the ground?
 
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The blocks interact at the sides in contact. There is a normal force from the first block to the second one, and also a normal force, of equal magnitude and opposite direction, from the second block on the first one.

ehild
 
Ok so if the blocks were A and B, then F(A on B) and F(B on A) are actually the normal forces from the contact?
 
Yes, they are the normal forces exerted by one block to the other because of the contact. ehild
 

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