Three blocks of masses (top), (middle) and (bottom) are stacked on a smooth…

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

Problem

Three blocks of masses

1\,\text{kg}

(top),

2\,\text{kg}

(middle) and

3\,\text{kg}

(bottom) are stacked on a smooth horizontal surface. The coefficients of friction between any two contacting blocks are

\mu_s = 0.50

and

\mu_k = 0.40

. A horizontal force

F

is applied to the middle block. (a) Determine the range of

F

for which all three blocks move together as a single body. (b) If

F

exceeds this range, state which interface (top–middle or middle–bottom) will slip first.