Serway & Jewett — The Laws of Motion: Problem 55

In Figure P5.55, the incline has mass \(M\) and is fastened to the stationary horizontal tabletop. The block of mass \(m\) is placed near the bottom of the incline and is released with a quick push that sets it sliding upward. The block stops near the top of the incline as shown in the figure and then slides down again, always without friction. Find the force that the tabletop exerts on the incline throughout this motion in terms of \(m\), \(M\), \(g\), and \(\theta\).