A 2 kg block (on the left) and an 8 kg block (on the right) are in contact with each other and move to the right across a horizontal surface by two forces: a 20 N leftward force and a 100 N rightward force.
Determine the magnitude of the force, in Newtons, exerted on the block with mass 2 kg by the block with mass 8 kg.
To determine the magnitude of the force exerted on the 2 kg block by the 8 kg block, we can use Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the blocks.
In this scenario, two forces are acting on the blocks: a 20 N leftward force exerted on the 2 kg block and a 100 N rightward force exerted on the 8 kg block.
Step 2: Recognize that the contact force between the two blocks is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Since the blocks are in contact with each other, the force exerted by the 8 kg block on the 2 kg block will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force exerted by the 2 kg block on the 8 kg block.
Step 3: Determine the magnitude of the contact force.
The magnitude of the contact force can be calculated by subtracting the magnitude of the leftward force from the magnitude of the rightward force.
Magnitude of contact force = Magnitude of rightward force - Magnitude of leftward force
= 100 N - 20 N
= 80 N
Therefore, the magnitude of the force exerted on the 2 kg block by the 8 kg block is 80 Newtons.