Collision in frictionless surface

In summary, three equal mass cubes are placed horizontally on a frictionless surface and a steady horizontal force P is applied to the end of the first cube. The question is whether the force on each cube will be P/3. The answer is yes, as long as the masses are equal and the friction forces are equal or zero.
  • #1
Smileyxx
34
0

Homework Statement




three numbered cubes each of mass m placed in contact on a frictionless horizontal surface. A steady horizontal force P is applied to the end surface of 1st cube.
question:will the force on each cube be P/3?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Smileyxx! :smile:
Smileyxx said:
question:will the force on each cube be P/3?

Hint: what is the acceleration of each cube? :wink:
 
  • #3
Its P/3m so force is P/3.ohh ya! But is always the force distributed equal in frictionless surface?
 
  • #4
Smileyxx said:
Its P/3m so force is P/3.ohh ya! But is always the force distributed equal in frictionless surface?

Yes, if the masses are equal, then the net forces must be the same.

So if the friction forces are equal (or all zero), then the applied forces must be the same. :smile:
 
  • #5
tiny-tim said:
Yes, if the masses are equal, then the net forces must be the same.

So if the friction forces are equal (or all zero), then the applied forces must be the same. :smile:
Thanks a lot bro:wink:
 

Related to Collision in frictionless surface

1. What is a collision in a frictionless surface?

A collision in a frictionless surface refers to an event where two objects come into contact with each other on a surface that has no friction present. This means that there is no resistance to the movement of the objects, allowing them to slide or bounce off of each other without any hindrance.

2. What factors affect collisions on a frictionless surface?

The main factors that affect collisions on a frictionless surface are the mass and velocity of the objects involved. The greater the mass and velocity of the objects, the greater the force of the collision will be. Additionally, the angle and direction of the collision can also impact the outcome.

3. How is momentum conserved in a collision on a frictionless surface?

Momentum is conserved in a collision on a frictionless surface because there is no external force acting on the objects. This means that the total momentum of the objects before and after the collision remains constant. In other words, the objects may change direction and speed, but their combined momentum remains the same.

4. Can energy be conserved in a collision on a frictionless surface?

Yes, energy can be conserved in a collision on a frictionless surface. This is because in a frictionless environment, there is no loss of energy due to friction or heat. Therefore, the total kinetic energy of the objects before and after the collision will remain the same.

5. How does a frictionless surface impact the outcome of a collision?

A frictionless surface can significantly impact the outcome of a collision. Since there is no friction present, the objects will continue to move after colliding with each other, whereas on a surface with friction, the objects would eventually come to a stop. Additionally, the lack of friction allows for more elastic collisions, meaning that the objects will bounce off of each other with less energy loss.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
979
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
346
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top