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Kevodaboss
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Homework Statement
Three identical rectangular blocks are at rest on a level, frictionless surface. Forces of equal magnitude that act in the same direction are exerted on each of the three blocks. Each force is exerted at a different point on the block (indicated by the symbol "x"), as shown in the top-view diagram attached (http://imgur.com/a/zhLKj). The location of each block's center of mass is indicated by a small circle.
a. For each of the blocks, draw an arrow on the diagram above to indicate the direction of the acceleration of the block's center of mass at the instant shown. If the magnitude of the acceleration of the center of mass of any block is zero, state that explicitly. Explain.
b. Rank the blocks according to magnitude of center-of-mass acceleration, from largest to smallest. If any two blocks have the same magnitude center-of-mass acceleration, state so explicitly. Support your ranking by drawing a point free-body diagram for each block.
Homework Equations
Conceptual problem
The Attempt at a Solution
I noticed that this question was posted before, but the answers for it were regarding the angular acceleration, not the center-of-mass acceleration.
So I was wondering, for part a, does the location of the force even matter? And if so, how? My thinking is that the magnitudes of the accelerations would be the same, except that for block 1 it would point slightly to the right, block 2 straight forward, and block 3 to the left. Is my reasoning right or wrong?
Thanks for taking the time to read my question and help me out!