Question

a force f accelerates a system of two blocks, x and y, on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown above. the acceleration is 4 m/s². the force with which block y pushes on block x has magnitude

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the mass of block Y

The mass of block Y, $m_Y = 4\ kg$.

Step2: Apply Newton's second - law

According to Newton's second - law $F = ma$. The force exerted by block Y on block X is the force that causes block Y to accelerate with the common acceleration of the system. The common acceleration $a=4\ m/s^{2}$. So the force $F_{YX}=m_Ya$.

Step3: Calculate the force

Substitute $m_Y = 4\ kg$ and $a = 4\ m/s^{2}$ into the formula $F_{YX}=m_Ya$. We get $F_{YX}=4\times4=16\ N$.

Answer:

$16\ N$