PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Laws of Motion · Laws of Motion
Problem
Two boxes, A and B, of masses mA and mB respectively, rest in contact with each other on a horizontal, frictionless surface. A constant horizontal force F is applied to box A toward box B. The boxes remain in contact and move together.
Answer the following questions.
(1) Draw separate free-body diagrams for box A and box B, labeling each force with its origin and the object on which it acts.
(2) List every Newton’s third-law force pair that involves contact between the two boxes. Use the format “force of ___ on ___.”
(3) Derive an expression for the common acceleration a of the two-box system in terms of F,mA,andmB. Show all steps.
(4) Using your free-body diagrams and Newton’s laws, determine the magnitude of the contact force that box B exerts on box A in terms of F,mA,andmB.