Two blocks (M1 = 2.57 kg and M2 = 6.71 kg) are in contact on a frictionless, horizontal tabletop. An external force, $\vec{F}$, is applied to block 1, and the two blocks are moving with a constant acceleration of 2.59 m/s2. What is the contact force between the blocks? What is the net force acting on block 1?
The applied force is 24.35 N