Blocks A ( ) and B ( ) touch each other on a frictionless horizontal surface

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

Blocks A (2 kg2\,\text{kg}) and B (3 kg3\,\text{kg}) touch each other on a frictionless horizontal surface. A constant 20 N20\,\text{N} horizontal force is applied to block A, pushing the system to the right. After drawing separate free-body diagrams, students calculate the magnitude of the force that block B exerts on block A. What is that magnitude? (a) 8 N8\,\text{N} (b) 20 N20\,\text{N} (c) 12 N12\,\text{N} (d) 4 N4\,\text{N}

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