Solving Newton's 2nd Law: M1 and M2

[jaytm2291]

Homework Statement

http://gyazo.com/f075da031d0e9d66f269e27628619082.png
http://gyazo.com/525919e03d92ae9efad90cc06995ec1b.png

Homework Equations

F = ma
F = 0

The Attempt at a Solution

T = Fg for M1
M2 = T - ma = T-M2a

I don't know what to do after this.

 

[Redbelly98]

Homework Statement

http://gyazo.com/f075da031d0e9d66f269e27628619082.png
http://gyazo.com/525919e03d92ae9efad90cc06995ec1b.png

Homework Equations

F = ma
F = 0

The acceleration is not zero here -- the masses do start moving, and you are to find what the acceleration is.

The Attempt at a Solution

T = Fg for M1

That would be true if the acceleration were zero, but it isn't.

Try setting up the equation again, using F_net=ma

M2 = T - ma = T-M2a

Again, you'd use F_net=ma to set up two equations for this mass. One equation for motion parallel to the surface, another for the force perpendicular (normal) to the surface.

I don't know what to do after this.

Let's try to set up all the F_net=ma equations properly, then we'll go from there.