Two blocks (M1 = 2.57 kg and M2 = 6.71 kg) are in contact on a frictionless, horizontal tabletop. An external force, $\vec{F}$, is applied to block 1, and the two blocks are moving with a constant acceleration of 2.59 m/s2. What is the contact force between the blocks? What is the net force acting on block 1?
The applied force is 24.35 N
To find the contact force between the blocks and the net force acting on block 1, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product of its mass and acceleration.
First, let's calculate the net force acting on block 1.
Mass of block 1, M1 = 2.57 kg
Acceleration, a = 2.59 m/s^2
Using the formula F = m * a, where F is the net force, m is the mass, and a is the acceleration, we can substitute the given values:
F = 2.57 kg * 2.59 m/s^2
F = 6.6533 N
Therefore, the net force acting on block 1 is 6.6533 N.
To find the contact force between the blocks, we need to consider that both blocks are moving with the same acceleration, which means they are experiencing the same net force.
Since the force applied to block 1 is causing the acceleration of both blocks, we can conclude that the contact force between the blocks is equal to the force applied to block 1.
Therefore, the contact force between the blocks is 24.35 N.