Asked by Anonymous

A small bug is placed between two masses (m1>m2) on a frictionless table. A horizontal force F is applied to either m1 or to m2, as shown.
1) In which case does the bug have a better chance of survival? HINT: Find the force of contact between the blocks in each case.

Please do it step by step with equations
Answered by Anonymous
Help ASAP please!!
Answered by Neel Rambhia
The acceleration produced in either case will be F/(m1+m2).
We have to check the case in which the normal force will be the least.
In case 1: normal force = m2 * a = Fm2/(m1+m2).
In case 2: normal force = m1*a = Fm1/(m1+m2)

Clearly normal force of case 1 is less than normal force of case 2 (since m2>m1) and hence the insect has greater chance of survival in case 1.
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