A block of mass m1 = 3.56 kg on a frictionless plane inclined at angle θ = 34.1° is connected by a cord over a massless, frictionless pulley to a second block of mass m2 = 2.72 kg hanging vertically (see the figure). (a) What is the acceleration of the hanging block (choose the positive direction down)? (b) What is the tension in the cord?

Answer 1

No drawing so I can't see the angle but..

m1gcos34.1 - m2g = (m1+m2)a
solve for a

T - m2g = m2a

Answer 2

If this doesn't work out use sin34.1 instead. One of the two will work.