What Force Does Block B Exert on Block A?

In summary, the force exerted by block B on block A is equal to the force exerted by block A on block B. This can be calculated using the formula F=ma, where m is the mass of the block and a is the acceleration. It is easier to analyze block B and find the net force acting on it to determine the force exerted on block A.
  • #1
Thegiver431
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Homework Statement


A hand pushes on block A. Block B is on the right side of block A. If block a has A mass of 20kg and block B has a mass of 12 kg, and the acceleration equals 4m/s^s, what is the force that block B exerts on Block A [/B]

Homework Equations


F=m/a
[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


F=20kg/4m/s^2 but I am not sure if this, in which I used the mass for block A, is it or if i have to use block B mass. I am kind of confused on which one
 
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  • #2
The force that block B exerts on block A is the same as the force that block A exerts on block B (that's one of Newton's laws).

You could find this force by evaluating the forces for either block A or block B, but it would be easier to analyze block B.

What are all the forces acting on block B? What is the net force on block B? ([itex]F_{net}=ma[/itex])
 

FAQ: What Force Does Block B Exert on Block A?

What is the force of block B on block A?

The force of block B on block A is the amount of push or pull that block B exerts on block A. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

How do you calculate the force of block B on block A?

The force of block B on block A can be calculated using the formula F = ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of block A, and a is the acceleration of block A caused by the force of block B.

What factors affect the force of block B on block A?

The force of block B on block A is affected by the mass and acceleration of block A, as well as the mass and acceleration of block B. It is also affected by the distance between the two blocks and any external forces acting on either block.

Can the force of block B on block A be greater than the force of block A on block B?

Yes, it is possible for the force of block B on block A to be greater than the force of block A on block B. This can happen if block B has a larger mass or is moving at a greater acceleration compared to block A.

How does the force of block B on block A affect the motion of block A?

The force of block B on block A determines the acceleration of block A, according to Newton's Second Law of Motion. If the force of block B on block A is greater than the force of friction or any other external forces acting on block A, then block A will accelerate in the direction of the force of block B. If the force of block B on block A is equal to the force of friction or other external forces, then block A will remain at a constant velocity.

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