Two blocks of masses ml and m2, are placed on a table in contact with each other as discussed in Example 5.7 and shown in Figure 5.13a. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block of mass m1 and the table is pi., and that between the block of mass m2 and the table is g2. A horizontal force of magnitude Pis applied to the block of mass mi. 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 mi? (d) What is the net force acting on m2? (e) Write Newton's 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.
