Three blocks of m asses 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg are placed in contact w ith each other on a horizontal frictionless surface, as show n in figure. A force of 12 N is applied as shown in the figure. Calculate (i) the acceleration of the system o f these three blocks, (ii) the contact force acting on 2 kg block by first block of 1 kg and (iii) the contact force on 3 kg block.

Explanation

(i) Acceleration of the system of three blocks
a= (total force )
total mass ) = `(F )/( m_(1) + m_(2) +m_(3))`
`a= 2 ms^(-1)`

Acceleration of the system of three blocks
`a= (F )/(m_(1) + m_(2) +m_(3)) = (12)/( 1 +2 +3) = 2ms^(-2)`
(ii) Now contact force acting on 2 kg block by 1 kg block