Two blocks of masses m₁ and m₂ (m₁ > m₂) are placed on a frictionless table in contact with each other. A horizontal force of magnitude F is applied to the block of mass m₁ in the figure below.

(a) If P is the magnitude of the contact force between the blocks, draw the free-body diagrams for each block. (Do this on paper. Your instructor may ask you to turn in this work.)

(b) What is the net force on the system consisting of both blocks? (Use the following as necessary: P and F.)

(c) What is the net force acting on m₁? (Use the following as necessary: P and F.)

(d) What is the net force acting on m₂? (Use the following as necessary: P and F.)

(e) Write the x-component of Newton's second law for each block. (Do this on paper. Your instructor may ask you to turn in this work.)

(f) Solve the resulting system of two equations and two unknowns, expressing the acceleration a and contact force Pin terms of the masses and force. (Use the following as necessary: m₁, m₂, and F.)

(g) How would the answers change if the force had been applied to m₂ instead? (Hint: use symmetry; don't calculate!) (Do this on paper. Your instructor may ask you to turn in this work.)

Is the contact force larger, smaller, or the same in this case?

largersmaller the same Why?