Question

Two blocks a and b of masse 4kg and 12 kg are placed on a smooth horizontal plane a force f of 16n is applied on a, as shown, then the contact force between the blocks is

Answer 1

[IMG]

I hope it helps. :)

Answer 2

Given: Two blocks a and b of masse 4kg and 12 kg are placed on a smooth horizontal plane a force f of 16n is applied on a

To find: contact force between the blocks

Solution: the only external force acting on the blocks is 16N

Therefore, we can say that

Acceleration of the whole system= net external force/ total mass

A = F/ m1+m2

A = 16/ (12+4)

A = 1m/s^2

According to the free body diagram of block a we can say that

16N force and the contact force will act on opposite directions

we can write the equation as

F - N = ma

here F will be the external force that is of 16N, N will be the contact force, a is the acceleration

16 - N = 4×1

N = 12N

Therefore, the contact force between the blocks will be of 12N.