A 3.0-kg and a 5.0-kg box rest side-by-side on a smooth, level floor. A horizontal force of 32 N is applied to the 3.0-kg box pushing it against the 5.0-kg box, and, as a result, both boxes slide along the floor. How large is the contact force between the two boxes?
A) 12 N
B) 20 N
C) 24 N
D) 32 N
E) 0 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total mass of the system is 8 kg (3 kg + 5 kg). The acceleration of the system is 32 N / 8 kg = 4 m/s². The contact force on the 5 kg box is 5 kg * 4 m/s² = 20 N.

A 30-Kg and a 5