Topic: Engineering Mechanics
Two blocks with masses M and m are in contact with each other and are resting on a horizontal frictionless floor. When horizontal force F is applied to the heavier, the blocks accelerate to the right. The force between the two blocks are
- A. (M+m)F / m
- B. MF / m
- C. mF / M
- D. mF / (M+m)
Answer: D. mF / (M+m)
Explanation: Acceleration of the system a = F / (M+m). From the FBD of block m, the force exerted by M on m is F_btw = m*a = m * F / (M+m).