Ant Aunts & Uncles: Solving a Physics Problem on an Inclined Plane

[goaliejoe35]

Homework Statement
A box of ant aunts (total mass m1 = 2.11 kg) and a box of ant uncles (total mass m2 = 3.88 kg) slide down an inclined plane while attached by a massless rod parallel to the plane. The angle of incline is θ = 29°. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the aunt box and the incline is μ1 = 0.293; that between the uncle box and the incline is μ2 = 0.129. Compute (a) the tension in the rod and (b) the common acceleration of the two boxes.

The attempt at a solution

I drew it all out on my paper and I am trying to set up two systems, however I'm having a lot of trouble trying to set them up. Could someone help me set up this problem. I don't want the answer I just need someone to help push me in the right direction.

Thanks!

 

[PhanthomJay]

Before looking at each system, you might want to first look at the system, which accelerates together, as a whole.

 

[goaliejoe35]

For the acceleration how to I account for the friction on both boxes? Add them together?

 

[PhanthomJay]

For the acceleration how to I account for the friction on both boxes? Add them together?

Yes.

 

[goaliejoe35]

I'm still confused as to how to even set this up. Should I find N and then find fk and from that find acceleration?

 

[PhanthomJay]

I'm still confused as to how to even set this up. Should I find N and then find fk and from that find acceleration?

yes, find N for each and fk for each. What other forces act on the system besides friction? You've got to first identify all of them acting parallel to the incline before determining the acceleration down the plane..