Two blocks with masses m and M are pushed along a horizontal frictionless furface by a horizontal applied force. The magnitude of the force either of these blocks has on the other is:

M being a bigger mass than m of course. I think the answer is:
mF/(M-m) or maybe MF/(M+m) but I'm not really 100% sure how to go about doing it. I know the forces are going to be equal though...

Oh, the larger block (mass) is in front. The force is pushing on the large mass and the little mass is in front of the large mass.

Force -> Big Mass -> little mass

Acceleration isn't given, it's just asking the "magnitude of the force of either of these blocks on the other is".
The answers to the question don't include a variable for a; just M, m, and F. I read your explaination but am still a bit confused. I think the answer is MF/(M+m) though.

The force on the one closest to the force if F, now between them, the second block is experience a force =ma, and it is pushing back with that force. I don't know which one is in front.

what is a? F=(M+m)a or a= F/(m+M)
now as you indicate, put the mass of the one in front on top, and you have it.

To determine the force that one block exerts on the other, we can analyze the situation using Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Let's consider the block with mass m first. The only horizontal force acting on it is the applied force F. As there is no friction, the force exerted by m on M is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to F.

Similarly, for the block with mass M, the force exerted by M on m is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by m on M.

Therefore, the magnitude of the force that either block has on the other is F.

To find the magnitude of the force that one block has on the other, we can apply Newton's third law of motion which states that "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction."

In this scenario, when one block exerts a force on the other, the other block exerts an equal and opposite force on the first block. Let's assume that the force applied to both blocks is F.

Now, let's analyze the forces acting on the two blocks individually:

1. Block with mass m:
The only force acting on this block is the applied force F. Since there is no friction, the net force acting on this block is equal to F. Using Newton's second law of motion (F = ma), we can conclude that the acceleration of this block is a = F/m.

2. Block with mass M:
The only force acting on this block is the applied force F. Since there is no friction, the net force acting on this block is equal to F. Using Newton's second law of motion (F = Ma), we can conclude that the acceleration of this block is A = F/M.

Now, according to Newton's third law, the force exerted by the block with mass m on the block with mass M is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force exerted by the block with mass M on the block with mass m.

Therefore, the magnitude of the force that each block has on the other is F.

In summary, the magnitude of the force that either block has on the other is F.