Analyzing Forces on a Moving System: Newton's Second Law in Action

[mathmannn]

Homework Statement

I attached the photo of the question that has everything.

Homework Equations

$F=ma$

The Attempt at a Solution

So I found the total mass of the system 50+35 = 85. Since we are given the force in the x-direction I used $\frac{70}{85} = a = .8235$. The weight of the cylinder is 50*g = 490 N, and weight of the cart is 35*g = 343 N. But I don't know where to go from there. I know that the reaction at A will be larger than at B because the "pulling" force will cause the cylinder to push more on the left side of the cart.. But I don't know how to relate anything to get useful equations.

 

[PhanthomJay]

Your acceleration calc in the x directon is correct. The cylinder must also move at that same acceleration in the x direction. What is the cylinder's acceleration in the y direction? You must draw a free body diagram of the cylinder and identify the forces acting on the cylinder in the x and y directions. In what direction do the normal forces act? Then use Newton's laws in the x and y direction.