Some Physic Review Help (Multiple Choice Question)

[sandra123123]

Two blocks with masses "a" and "b" (Note: mass a is smaller than mass b.)are pushed along a horizontal frictionless surface by a horizontal applied force "F". The magnitude of the force on either of these blocks by the other block is given by:

1. aF/b
2.aF/a+b
3.bF/a
4.bF/a+b
5.More information is needed.
Update : a is a smaller mass than b

[factor-fiction]

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/f2m.html#c2
Read this then tell us what you think the answer is , then I'll tell you whether I agree.

[Old_Geezer]

It's not until one gets older and spots a question like this that you realise how much you can no longer recall from the days one learnt. Sometimes I think I should go back and recap it all again, but I never find the enthusiasm.

Interesting page f-f. I must get around to inwardly digesting it at some point.

[Old_Geezer]

Yay I think I got it ;-)

Now I just need to go back and re-read Newton to find out why the stated equations are what they are.