Question

Two crates, of mass m1 = 71 kg and m2 = 130 kg , are in contact and at rest on a horizontal surface. Force F = 610 N is exerted on the 71-kg crate. The coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.18.
1. Determine the acceleration of the system.
2. Determine the magnitude of the force that each crate exerts on the other.

Answer 1

Answer: Respective answers are 1.27 m/s^2 and 90.17 N

Explanation:

Explanation requires basic knowledge of forces in physics. The solutions are attached in this response. To summarize:

- Newton's Second Law -> F = ma

- Force of friction = Fn (normal force) x µk (coefficient of kinetic friction)

- Because the surface is leveled, Fn = Fg, Fg = mg

- The crates exert the same amount of force on each other because of the rule of action // reaction (Newton's Third Law)