Question

a block of mass M, resting on an incline with angle theta, is attached to a second block of mass m by a cord that passes over a smooth peg at the top of the triangular-shaped incline. all surfaces are frictionless. find the minimum and maximum values of m for which the blocks won't move.

Answer 1

Tension in cord = M g sin theta = m g
so
sin theta = m/M

if steeper, M moves down
if less steep, M moves up