What is the Tension in a Connecting Cord for Two Masses on an Incline?

[juggalomike]

Homework Statement

A mass m2 = 1.1 kg, on a 35.0° incline, is connected to a mass m1 = 6.0 kg, on a horizontal surface. The surfaces and the pulley are frictionless. If F = 17.5 N, what is the magnitude of the tension in the connecting cord?
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/1943/hmwork1.gif

Homework Equations

F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution

Realy stumped on this one, i drew free body diagrams for each of the objects and attempted to eliminate the forces, i believe that F-(tension+m*g*cos(35)) = net force. Then i add the masses together and divide by M to get acceleration, and then plug acceleration back into f=ma but instead of the total mass i use 1.1 for m2.

 

[rl.bhat]

Hi juggalomike, welcome to PF.
F-(tension+m*g*cos(35)) = net force
This step should be
F-(tension+m*g*sin(35)) = m2*a ...(1)
Next T = m1*a...(2)
Solve these two equation to find a and T.

 

[slk011]

i don't understand what mgsin is... are you talking about m1 or m2? help i am trying to figure this problem out and i still don't get it...

 

[Shootertrex]

mgsinθ is the resultant of normal force and gravity on the mass on the ramp.

 

[slk011]

i still get it wrong.. i don't understand how to get "a" when tension is in the eq... F-(tension+m*g*sin(35)) = m2*a ...(1) :( helppp

 

[Shootertrex]

You can us $ma$ in place of tension. Both objects will be accelerating at the same rate, so both a's will be the same. You now only have 1 variable, and can solve for acceleration.

 

[slk011]

thank you for trying it seems i am doing something wrong bc it tells me its wrong. :(

 

[Shootertrex]

Well, tell us the answer, tell us what you are getting and show your work. I'm sure that we can help you figure out what you are doing wrong.

 

[slk011]

wait! i was doing a silly mistake! i got it! thank you thank you thank you! :)

 

[rmadan]

I still don't understand how to solve this problem.. please explain?