Question

Three blocks with masses m1 = 2.0 kg, m2 = 4.0 kg, and m3 = 3.0 kg are placed side by side on a table. What is the contact force between the middle block and the right-most block?

A) 0 N
B) 4 N
C) 6 N

Answer 1

The contact force between the middle block and the right-most block is 6 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the contact force between the middle block and the right-most block, we need to consider the forces acting on each block. Since the blocks are placed side by side on a table, there is no vertical acceleration, and the vertical forces balance out.

Therefore, the contact force between the middle block and the right-most block is equal to the horizontal force exerted by the right-most block on the middle block. According to Newton's third law, this force is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force exerted by the middle block on the right-most block.

Therefore, the contact force between the middle block and the right-most block is 6 N (Option C).