Three boxes rest side-by-side on a smooth, horizontal floor. Their masses are 5.0 kg, 3.0 kg, and 2.0 kg , with the 3.0-kg mass in the center. A force of 50 N pushes on the 5.0-kg box, which pushes against the other two boxes. What magnitude force does the 5.0-kg box exert on the 3.0-kg box?
A) 25 N
B) 40 N
C) 10 N
D) 0 N
E) 50 N

Question

Three boxes rest side-by-side on a smooth, horizontal floor. Their masses are  5.0 kg, 3.0 kg, and  2.0 kg , with the  3.0-kg mass in the center. A force of  50 N pushes on the  5.0-kg box, which pushes against the other two boxes. What magnitude force does the  5.0-kg box exert on the  3.0-kg box?
A)  25 N
B)  40 N
C)  10 N
D)  0 N
E)  50 N

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the 5.0-kg box on the 3.0-kg box is equal to the force exerted by the 50 N force on the 5.0-kg box, which is 25 N.

Three Boxes Rest Side-By-Side on a Smooth, Horizontal Floor