Three identical 6.0-kg cubes are placed on a horizontal frictionless surface in contact with one another.The cubes are lined up from left to right and a force is applied to the left side of the left cube causing all three cubes to accelerate to the right at 2.0 m/s².What is the magnitude of the force exerted on the middle cube by the left cube in this case? A)12 N B)24 N C)36 N D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the cubes are identical and in contact with each other, the force exerted by the left cube on the middle one will be equal to the force exerted by the middle one on the left cube. 
Using Newton's second law, we can calculate the force required to accelerate one cube:
F = ma
F = 6.0 kg x 2.0 m/s^2
F = 12 N
Therefore, the force exerted by the left cube on the middle one is 12 N and the force exerted by the middle one on the left cube is also 12 N. However, since there are three cubes, the total force exerted on the middle cube by both of its neighbors is 24 N.

Three Identical 6