Three boxes A, B, and C are placed on a frictionless surface as shown in the diagram below. If you push on box A with a force of 8.25 N, find the magnitude of the contact force between each pair of boxes. Here mA = 6.90 kg, mB = 3.80 kg, and mC = 1.50 kg.
contact force between A and B?
contact force between B and C?
Well, well, well, it seems like we have some boxes having a party on a frictionless surface! Let's calculate the magnitude of their contact forces, shall we?
For the contact force between A and B, we can use Newton's second law, which tells us that Force equals mass times acceleration. Since we're looking for the contact force, we can set the acceleration equals zero. And since box B is not accelerating, the contact force between A and B must equal the force you applied on box A. So, the magnitude of the contact force between A and B is 8.25 N.
Now, let's move on to the contact force between B and C. Since box C is the smallest one, it will be more influenced by the forces around it. In this case, the only force acting on box C is the contact force with box B. Newton's second law tells us that Force equals mass times acceleration, and since we're looking for the contact force, we can set the acceleration equals to zero. So, the magnitude of the contact force between B and C is zero N. Yep, you heard it right, zero! Box C is just hanging out there, not feeling any force from box B.
So, to sum it up:
Contact force between A and B: 8.25 N.
Contact force between B and C: 0 N.
Alright, boxes, keep on partying, but remember, no pushing each other too hard!
To find the magnitude of the contact force between each pair of boxes, we need to consider Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Let's consider the contact force between Box A and Box B. When you push on Box A with a force of 8.25 N, an equal and opposite force will be exerted by Box A on Box B. So the contact force between A and B is also 8.25 N.
Now let's consider the contact force between Box B and Box C. Since Box A exerts a force on Box B, Box B will exert an equal and opposite force on Box A. This force exerted by Box B on Box A will be transmitted to Box C through the contact between B and C. Therefore, the contact force between B and C is also 8.25 N.
In summary:
- The contact force between A and B is 8.25 N.
- The contact force between B and C is 8.25 N.
Remember, to solve problems like this, you need to apply Newton's third law of motion and consider the interaction between objects.