Next question is, what is the assumption that I made? Probably that the blocks would move down the incline and that friction would be in the opposite direction. After playing with the equation a bit I get m=μM/(sinθ-μcosθ) and mathematically sinθ-μcosθ≠0 or tanθ≠μ. Is that always true or did I...
Hmm, in an extreme case that m=1000kg, how can the friction created by a M=3.1kg block hold it in place. Something doesn't add up? Otherwise, thank-you for your explanation, it definitely makes me think about the problem a little differently.
The problem is: Two blocks of mass m and M are connected via pulley with a configuration as shown. The coefficient of static friction is 0.64, between blocks and surface. If the inclined angle is 23deg and M = 3.1kg, what is the maximum mass m so that no sliding occurs?
The question is: I...