The mass on the left has a downslope weight of
W1 = 3.5kg * 9.8m/s² * sin35º = 19.7 N
The mass on the right has a downslope weight of
W2 = 8kg * 9.8m/s² * sin35º = 45.0 N
The net is 25.3 N pulling downslope to the right.
(a) Therefore we need 25.3 N of friction force.
Ff = 25.3 N = µ(m1 + m2)gcosΘ = µ * 11.5kg * 9.8m/s² * cos35º
25.3N = µ * 92.3 N
µ = 0.274
(b) total mass is 11.5 kg, and the net force is 25.3 N, so
acceleration a = F / m = 25.3N / 11.5kg = 2.2 m/s²
tension T = 8kg * (9.8sin35 - 2.2)m/s² = 27 N
Check: T = 3.5kg * (9.8sin35 + 2.2)m/s² = 27 N √
hope this helps. :)
