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Sam
Jul3-03, 12:57 PM
A uniform cylinder with a mass of 2.7 kg and a radius of 0.25 m is suspended by a string wrapped around it. As the cylinder descends, the string unwinds from it. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the center of mass of the cylinder in m/s2? (Neglect the mass of the string and air resistance).



Hint:
The tension on the string acts as a torque about the center of mass and an upward force.
T r = I a
T - mg = ma
a = -a/r

Solving these gives a very simple answer.

NOTE THAT THE QUESTION ASKS FOR THE MAGNITUDE ONLY

Jonathan
Jul31-03, 07:49 AM
I think the downward linear acceleration of the cylinder is 9.8 m/s^2, but I'm not good with rotational motion.