Final answer:
The magnitude of the friction force between the two blocks, given an applied force of 3 N and a coefficient of friction of 0.5, is 3 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves calculating the friction force between two blocks when a force is applied to one of them. The blocks are on a smooth surface, but there is friction between the blocks themselves with a coefficient of friction of 0.5. A force of 3 N is applied to the 1 kg block. To calculate the friction force, we can use the formula f = μN, where μ is the coefficient of friction and N is the normal force.
Since there is no vertical acceleration, the normal force on the 1 kg block, provided by the 2 kg block, is equal to the gravitational force on the 1 kg block, which is (1 kg)(9.8 m/s²) = 9.8 N. Multiplying the normal force by the coefficient of friction, we get the maximum friction force that can act on the block, which is (0.5)(9.8 N) = 4.9 N. However, since the applied force is only 3 N, the friction force will be equal to the applied force, assuming it's sufficient to overcome static friction and set the blocks in motion. Thus, the magnitude of friction force between the blocks is 3 N.