Tension on Incline Plane: Calculating Forces in a Two-Box System

[Jtappan]

1. Homework Statement

Two boxes with different masses M1 = 1.3 kg and M2 = 2.2 kg are tied together on a frictionless ramp surface which makes an angle = 29° with the horizontal (see the figure below). (the figure is essentially two boxes tied together by a rope and then another rope tying the right box to the ramp. the left box(the bottom one) is M2 and the top box is M1.

What is the tension in the rope connecting the two boxes?
______ N
What is the tension in the rope connecting the first box to the ramp?
______ N




2. Homework Equations

F=ma?

3. The Attempt at a Solution

I have tried to do the force diagram where the left is -y and the right is +x. Once I have drawn the force diagram then I put in gravity as the acceleration downward. Then I do 9.8/cos61 to find the acceleration downward at the specific angle. Then I put it into the f=ma equation to find the force downward at the angle for each box. Then I get stuck...

 

[hotvette]

If I read the problem correctly the rope connecting the upper mass to the ramp prevents both from sliding, meaning there is no motion. Correct? In this case, is F = ma even applicable?

 

[Jtappan]

Thx

No F=MA does not apply to this problem. I figured it out thank you though.