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Two rigid bodies of masses 5 kg and 4 kg are at rest on a frictionless surface until acted upon by a force of 36 N as shown in the figure. The contact force generated between the two bodies is

1. 4.0 N
2. 7.2 N
3. 9.0 N
4. 16.0 N

Correct answer: 7.2 N

Solution

Since the surface is frictionless, both bodies accelerate together under the external force. The acceleration is \(a = 36/(5+4) = 4\,\text{m/s}^2\). The contact force on the 4 kg body is \(F = ma = 4\times 4 = 16\,\text{N}\), so the contact force between the bodies is 16 N.

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