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M_{2}a_{net}=D_{2}+M_{2}g-N\\
N=D_{2}+M_{2}g-M_{2}a_{net}\\
N=\frac{M_{1}D_{2}-M_{2}D_{1}}{M_{1}+M_{2}}

It is reassuring to see that the results for N are the same when solving via System 1 as when solving by means of System 2. This gives us confidence in our answer.

These results tell us that drag separation will occur (N<0) if M₂ is sufficiently large and/or D₁ is sufficiently large.