Three blocks are arranged in a stack on a frictionless horizontal surface. The bottom block has a mass of 37.0 kg. A block of mass 18.0 kg sits on top of it and a 16.0 kg block sits on top of the middle block. A downward vertical force of 170 N is applied to the top block. What is the magnitude of the normal force exerted by the bottom block on the middle block?

N₂ = 503.8 N

Explanation:

given,

mass of bottom block = 37 Kg

mass of middle block = 18 Kg

mass of the top block = 16 Kg

force acting on the top block = 170 N

force on the block at top

N₁ be the normal force from block at middle

now,

N₁ = 170 + m g

N₁ = 170 + 16 x 9.8

now, force on block at middle

N₂ be the normal force exerted by the bottom block

N₂ = N₁ + m₂ g

N₂ = 326.8 + 18 x 9.8

N₂ = 503.8 N

hence, normal force by bottom block is equal to N₂ = 503.8 N