Two boxes P and Q on a perfectly smooth horizontal surface are connected by a light horizontal cord.The mass of P is greater than that of Q.A horizontal force
Is applied to box Q as shown in the figure,accelerating the bodies to the right.The magnitude of the force exerted by the connecting cord on body P is
A)zero.
B)less than F but not zero.
C)equal to F.
D)greater than F.

Question

Two boxes P and Q on a perfectly smooth horizontal surface are connected by a light horizontal cord.The mass of P is greater than that of Q.A horizontal force 
Is applied to box Q as shown in the figure,accelerating the bodies to the right.The magnitude of the force exerted by the connecting cord on body P is 
A)zero. 
B)less than F but not zero. 
C)equal to F. 
D)greater than F.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since box P has a greater mass than box Q, it will require a greater force to accelerate it at the same rate. Therefore, the force exerted by the connecting cord on box P must be greater than the force exerted on box Q. However, it cannot be greater than the applied force of 11ea6c4e_0025_887c_9875_3dda9e16126b_TB6214_11 as the cord cannot exert a greater force than the force applied to it. Therefore, the force exerted by the connecting cord on box P must be less than the applied force but not zero, making choice B the correct answer.

Two Boxes P and Q on a Perfectly Smooth Horizontal