# Homework Help: Hanging Block Inclined plane

1. Sep 27, 2010

### polishdude20

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

An 18kg cart is connected to a 12kg hanging block at the bottom of the incline (ignore friction)

What is the magnitude of acceleration of the cart?

2. Relevant equations

F=ma
Fx=Fgsinx
Fy=FgCosx

3. The attempt at a solution

well without the hanging weight i calculatoed the force parallel to the plane to be 101.2 N
and the force perpendicular to the plane is 144.5 N
I tried adding the X force (101.2N) to the downward force of the weight on the pulley (176.4 ) and then dividing by the total masses. But I can never get the right answer its supposed to be 7.3 m/s*2 but I don't know how its obtained.

2. Sep 27, 2010

### polishdude20

can anyone help?

3. Sep 27, 2010

### jhae2.718

Try drawing a free body diagram of each block. What forces act on each?

Then use the fact that $$\Sigma \vec{F} = m\vec{a}$$ to find the net acceleration.

4. Sep 28, 2010

### polishdude20

yes i tried that and i dont know do i add the fg of the hanging block to the Fx of the block on the plane?