Two boxes of masses 21.6 kg and 28.2 kg sit on a smooth, frictionless surface. The boxes are in contact, and a horizontal force of 68.2 pushes horizontally against the smaller box.

What is the acceleration of the two boxes?

a = F/(M1 + M2)

To find the acceleration of the two boxes, you can use Newton's second law of motion. The equation is:

a = F_net / m

Where:
a = acceleration
F_net = net force acting on the system
m = total mass of the system

First, let's calculate the net force acting on the system. The net force can be determined by calculating the difference between the force applied to the smaller box and the force applied to the larger box.

Force on smaller box = 68.2 N (given)
Force on larger box = Force on smaller box = 68.2 N (because the boxes are in contact and there is no friction)

Now, let's calculate the total mass of the system by adding the masses of both boxes.

Total mass of the system = 21.6 kg + 28.2 kg = 49.8 kg

Finally, substitute the values into the equation to find the acceleration:

a = 68.2 N / 49.8 kg

By calculating this, you will find the acceleration of the two boxes.