Three identical 4.0-kg cubes are placed on a horizontal frictionless surface in contact with one another.The cubes are lined up from left to right and a force is applied to the left side of the left cube causing all three cubes to accelerate to the right at 4.0 m/s².What is the magnitude of the force exerted on the middle cube by the left cube in this case? A) 16 N B) 32 N C) 48 N D) 64 N E) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the three cubes are identical and in contact with each other, the force exerted by the left cube on the middle cube is equal in magnitude to the force exerted by the middle cube on the right cube. Thus, we can consider only the left cube and the middle cube. The force applied to the left cube causes an acceleration of 4.0 m/s^2. Therefore, using Newton's second law (F = ma), the force exerted by the left cube on the middle cube is:
F = ma = (4.0 kg)(4.0 m/s^2) = 16 N
Thus, the answer is B.

Three Identical 4