How Does Kinetic Friction Impact Acceleration on an Inclined Plane?

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The discussion centers on calculating the acceleration of a block on an inclined plane with a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.29 and a mass of 2M, while a second block of mass M is suspended. The incline is at a 30-degree angle, and the problem involves three unknowns and only two equations, leading to a belief that the problem cannot be solved. Participants are encouraged to derive the two equations using Newton's 2nd law for each mass and combine them to find the acceleration. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in solving physics problems with multiple variables. Ultimately, the challenge lies in the insufficient information provided to reach a definitive solution.
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The coefficient of kinetic friction between the block and the incline is 0.29. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the suspended block as it falls? Disregard any pulley mass or friction.

That's the question. I'll try to describe the accompanying diagram.:

Basically there's a ramp sloping downwards to the right at an angle of 30 degrees. On the ramp is a block of mass 2M in motion. A string tied to the right end of the object leads down and right to the end of the ramp where it is connected to a pulley. The string passes through the pulley and extends directly downwards to an block of mass M.

I don't believe it is possible to solve this problem since too little information is given and you end up having three unknown variables and only two equations. There were five choices given, as it was a multiple choice question, so I should know if the solution provided matches one of the choices.
 
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LM06 said:
I don't believe it is possible to solve this problem since too little information is given and you end up having three unknown variables and only two equations.
Please show the two equations you end up with and where you got stuck. Assuming you've found the two equations correctly--by applying Newton's 2nd law to each mass--you should be able to combine them to find the acceleration.
 
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