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
2 answers
Help ASAP please!!
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.
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.
1 answer