How Many Forces on the Bottom Block?

[Bgerst103]

Homework Statement

Three blocks are stacked on top of each other. How many forces are on the bottom block?
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
d. 3
e. 4

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know this is a very simple question, I just feel like it's easy to tricked. Obviously gravity is acting on the bottom block. The second block is also acting on the bottom block. However, the top block is acting on the second block, does this count as it also acting on the bottom block? It's either 2 or 3 forces I just can't decide which.

 

[Bgerst103]

I'm leaning towards 2 since the top and bottom block aren't in direct contact.

 

[Chestermiller]

Draw a free body diagram for the bottom block. This will tell you right away what forces are acting on it.

Chet

 

[dauto]

What about the contact force with the table?

 

[HalfLostAndSearching]

I can provide a definitive answer to this question. The correct answer is 2 forces. The bottom block is experiencing the force of gravity from the Earth and the force of the second block above it. The top block is not directly acting on the bottom block, as its force is being transmitted through the second block. This is known as the "normal force" and is a result of the interaction between the two blocks. Therefore, there are two forces acting on the bottom block in this scenario. It is important to carefully consider the definition of a force and how it is transmitted between objects in order to accurately determine the forces at play in a given situation.