2. Three blocks are in contact with each other on a frictionless, horizontal sur

Question

2. Three blocks are in contact with each other on a frictionless, horizontal surface as shown below. A 20 N horizontal force is applied to block ml. The masses of each block is: m1 2 kg, m2 = 3 kg and m3 4 kg. a. Determine the acceleration of the blocks. b. Determine the magnitude of the contact force between blocks m1 and m2. c. Determine the magnitude of the contact force between blocks m2 and m3. d. Repeat parts a, b, and c if the blocks had been turned around and the force F had been applied to block m3 instead.

Explanation / Answer

a = F/(m1+m2+m3) = 20/(2+3+4) = 2.22 m/s^2

b) F - f12 = m1*a

f12 = F - m1*a = 20-(2*2.22) = 15.56 N

c) f12 - f23 = m2*a

f23 = f12- m2*a = 15.56-(3*2.22) = 8.9 N

d) a = F/(m1+m2+m3) = 20/(2+3+4) = 2.22 m/s^2

f12 = m1*a = 2*2.22 = 4.44 N

f23 - f12 = m2*a

f23 = 4.44+(3*2.22) = 4.44 + 6.66 = 11.1 N

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