Finding net external force

[missyjane]

Mass of 2.6kg lies on a frictionless table, pulled by another mass of 4.1kg under the influence of gravity (mass 4.1kg is hanging off the edge of the table). The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8m/s^2. What is the magnitude of the net external force (gravitational) acting on the two masses?


I thought I'd get the answer by using F=g(m1)(m2), but that was wrong. I don't know where to go from here. :confused:

[physumr]

Try a diagram first, develop and equation for each of the masses. Solve for Tension on the second mass and plug it into first equation. From there solve for g.

[missyjane]

I figured out that the tension of the hanging force is 40.18 and the tension of the rope is 15.592...where do I go from here?