Two blocks of masses m1 and m2 are placed on a table in

Chapter 5, Problem 79

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Two blocks of masses m1 and m2 are placed on a table in contact with each other as discussed in Example 5.7 and shown in Figure 5.12a. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block of mass m1 and the table is m1, and that between the block of mass m2 and the table is m2. A horizontal force of magnitude F is applied to the block of mass m1. We wish to find P, the magnitude of the contact force between the blocks. (a) Draw diagrams showing the forces for each block. (b) What is the net force on the system of two blocks? (c) What is the net force acting on m1? (d) What is the net force acting on m2? (e) Write Newtons second law in the x direction for each block. (f) Solve the two equations in two unknowns for the acceleration a of the blocks in terms of the masses, the applied force F, the coefficients of friction, and g. (g) Find the magnitude P of the contact force between the blocks in terms of the same quantities.