Two Blocks on an Incline: Solving for Acceleration and Tension

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a physics problem involving two blocks on inclined planes connected by a string over a pulley. Initially, the user struggled with applying the correct equations of motion and free-body diagrams to determine the acceleration and tension in the system. After receiving guidance, they successfully approached the problem by considering the blocks as a single system and then analyzing each block separately for tension. The solution involved calculating the effects of gravity and friction, leading to a complete understanding of the dynamics at play. Ultimately, the user expressed gratitude for the assistance, indicating they were able to solve the problem effectively.
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SOLVED :)

Homework Statement



https://tycho-s.phys.washington.edu/cgi/courses/shell/common/showme.pl?courses/phys114/winter08/homework/04d/2blocks_incline_NWT/5.gif
The figure shows two identical blocks tied together with a string which passes over a pulley at the crest of the inclined planes, one of which makes an angle q1 = 30° to the horizontal, the other makes the complementary angle q2 = 60°.

a) If there is no friction anywhere, with what acceleration do the blocks move?
b) If each block has a mass m = 1 kg, what is the tension in the string while they are both moving?
c) Now suppose the coefficient of sliding friction between the blocks and planes is µ = 0.02. With what acceleration do the blocks move in this case?

Homework Equations



F = ma
Hint for a): Draw a free-body diagram for each block. Using your free-body diagram and F = ma for each block, find two equations and two unknowns, the unknowns being the acceleration (part (a)) and the tension (part (b)).

The Attempt at a Solution



My freebody diagrams for the box on the left (which I labeled box 1) included a perpendicular normal force, gravity straight down, and tension up the box.
My freebody diagram for the box on the right (box 2) included gravity down, normal force perpendicular to the plane, and tension toward the incline of the plane.

So the equation I came up with:
F=ma --->
F(box1) = Ftension - mg(sin30)
F(box2) = mg(sin60) - Ftension

and that is all I've been able to come up with for the past hour of racking my brain :( . I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. Much appreciated!
 
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the hint is making it complicated imo, i was taught to do it like this:
a) consider the blocks as one system and ignore tension, draw one FBD for them
b) since you know that the acceleration of both of them will be the same, draw an FBD for one of them and solve for Tension.
c) same as a) except you consider the force of friction
 
Solved :P Thanks afg34 , I ended up basically doing what you said!
 
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