Reference no: EM13528974

Two blocks of mass m1 = 8.0 kg and m3 = 6.5 kg, connected by a rod of mass m2 = 1.5 kg, are sitting on a very low-friction surface, and you push to the left on the right block (mass m1) with a constant force of
<-32 , 0, 0 >N. See figure below. (As usual, +x is to the right and +y is up.)

1. What is the acceleration of the system of blocks plus rod?

2. What is the force F3 exerted by the rod on the block of mass m3? (This is approximately equal to the compression force in the rod near its left end.)

3. What is the force F2 exerted by the block of mass m1 on the rod? (This is approximately equal to the compression force in the rod near its right end.)

4. Suppose that instead of pushing on the right block (mass m1), you pull to the left on the left block (mass m3) with a constant force of
<-32 , 0, 0> N. Draw a diagram illustrating this situation. Now what is the force F3 exerted by the rod on the block of mass m3?