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