Why Did My Second Approach to Finding the Block's Acceleration Fail?

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The second approach to finding the block's acceleration failed due to an inconsistency in the definition of the y-direction. In the whiteboard calculation, the y-direction was initially taken as perpendicular to the ground, but later switched to being along the normal force. This inconsistency led to confusion in the setup of the force equations. The correct approach requires maintaining a consistent definition of the y-direction throughout the calculations. Clarifying this aspect should help resolve the issue and lead to the correct answer.
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Homework Statement
Find the blocks acceleration on a wedge.
Relevant Equations
F=MA
I am currently solving this problem and approached it two different ways. I have attached a ss of the picture for reference.

On my first attempt, shown on the attached image in pen, I used a component of the normal force and weight as my forces in the y direction. I carried out the work and ended up getting the correct answer according to my book.

I then tried a different approach, as shown by the image with the whiteboard, and used the actual normal force and a component of the force of gravity. When I used this approach I got stuck and did not see anyway of attaining the correct answer.

What is incorrect about the 2nd approach that is preventing me from getting the right answer?
Paperwork.JPG
Whiteboard work.JPG
Screen Shot 2022-02-10 at 4.50.05 PM.png
 
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In the whiteboard calculation, it looks like you are taking the y-direction to be perpendicular to the ground for the diagram and the constraint equation:
1644624774911.png


But when you set up the ##\sum F_y## equation, you switch to taking the y-direction to be perpendicular to the plane (i.e., along the normal force ##N##):
1644624874904.png


So, there is an inconsistency in the choice of the y-direction for the whiteboard calculation. ##y## in the constraint equation is not the same as the ##y## in the ##\sum F_y## equation.
 
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TSny said:
In the whiteboard calculation, it looks like you are taking the y-direction to be perpendicular to the ground for the diagram and the constraint equation:
View attachment 296975

But when you set up the ##\sum F_y## equation, you switch to taking the y-direction to be perpendicular to the plane (i.e., along the normal force ##N##):
View attachment 296976

So, there is an inconsistency in the choice of the y-direction for the whiteboard calculation. ##y## in the constraint equation is not the same as the ##y## in the ##\sum F_y## equation.
Thank you. That makes it very clear.
 
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