Three blocks and of masses and respectively are arranged in contact on a smooth…

PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Three blocks

A,\,B

and

C

of masses

1\,\text{kg},\,2\,\text{kg}

and

3\,\text{kg}

respectively are arranged in contact on a smooth horizontal table in the order

A

–

B

–

C

. A horizontal force of

24\,\text{N}

is applied on block

C

towards the left. (a) Determine the common acceleration of the system. (b) Calculate the magnitude of the force that

B

exerts on

A

. (c) Calculate the magnitude of the force that

C

exerts on

B

. (d) Hence, or otherwise, derive a general expression for the contact force between two adjacent blocks in a line of

n

blocks of known masses when a horizontal force

F

acts on the rightmost block.