Blocks on a tabletop attached to a mass suspended by a pulley

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The discussion centers on a physics problem involving blocks on a tabletop and a mass suspended by a pulley. The key equations mentioned include Newton's second law (f=ma) and the gravitational constant (g=9.8 m/s²). The user is attempting to determine the mass of block C, which must be sufficient to move block A without exceeding the static friction between blocks A and B. They suggest calculating static friction using the coefficient of static friction and the normal force, which they believe is the combined weight of blocks A and B. The user concludes with a calculated mass of 3.75 kg for block C.
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Homework Statement


PhysicsPRoblem.jpg



Homework Equations



We have yet to go over this material, which kinda pisses me off, but I'm guessing that:

f=ma, w=ma, g = 9.8m/s/s

are important

The Attempt at a Solution



If somebody could point me in the right direction that would be very helpful. I attempted at drawing a diagram of the forces on each object, but I'm not sure where to even start.
 
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You want to find the mass of block C so that it moves block A but not too large that it overcomes the static friction between block A and block B I believe. So find the static friction and divide it by g to find the mass of Block C

static friction = (coefficient of static friction) (reaction/normal force)
 
So will the normal force be the mass of the two blocks times gravity?
 
the normal force should be equal to the weight of Block B
 
Thank you so much

I got 3.75 kg
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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