Angular Acceleration/Tension - Need help , please

  • Thread starter jaredsees
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In summary, the problem involves two pulley wheels with different radii, a total rotational inertia of 1.5 kg*m2, and masses of 7.5 kg and 5.5 kg attached to either side. The angular acceleration of the system can be found using torque and the equation net torque = I * a. The tension in the cord attached to each mass can be found using F = ma.
  • #1
jaredsees
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1. Homework Statement
Two pulley wheels, one of radius 0.5m and the
other of radius 1.75 m, are mounted rigidly on
a common axle. The rotational inertia of the
two pulleys, which are clamped together, is
1.5 kg*m2. A mass of 7.5 kg mass is attached
on the left and a mass of 5.5 kg mass on the
right, as shown.

Here is the image: http://yfrog.com/jwpulleyp

a.) Find the angular acceleration of the system. Take clockwise direction to be positive. Units in rad/s^2

b.) Find the tension in the cord attached to the 7.5 kg mass (units in N)

c.) Find the tension in the cord attached to the 5.5 kg mass (units in N)

2. Homework Equations

net torque = I * a

3. The Attempt at a Solution

Torque = I * a
Torque = m2*g*r2 - m1*g*r1
torque = 5.5*9.8*1.75 - 7.5*9.8*.5
= 57.58

a = Torque / I
=> 57.58 / 1.5 =38.39 rad/s2

Tried to submit the answer, but it was wrong. Don't know what I am doing wrong in part A. And I'm not sure how to do attempt Part b or c. Any advice appreciated!
 
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  • #2
welcome to pf!

hi jaredsees! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
jaredsees said:
a = Torque / I
=> 57.58 / 1.5 =38.39 rad/s2

erm :redface: … don't the two masses have angular momentum also? :wink:

(and for the tension, use F = ma for each mass)
 

1. What is angular acceleration?

Angular acceleration is the rate of change of angular velocity, which is the speed at which an object rotates around an axis. It is measured in radians per second squared (rad/s2).

2. How is angular acceleration different from linear acceleration?

Angular acceleration refers to the change in rotational motion, while linear acceleration refers to the change in straight-line motion. Angular acceleration is measured in radians per second squared (rad/s2), while linear acceleration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s2).

3. What factors affect angular acceleration?

The two main factors that affect angular acceleration are the force applied to the object and the moment of inertia of the object. The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to change in rotational motion.

4. How is tension related to angular acceleration?

Tension is a force that is applied to an object in a circular motion. It is directly related to angular acceleration as it provides the force necessary for the object to rotate around an axis. The greater the tension, the greater the angular acceleration.

5. How can I calculate angular acceleration?

Angular acceleration can be calculated using the formula α = (ω2 - ω1) / t, where α is the angular acceleration, ω2 and ω1 are the final and initial angular velocities, and t is the time interval. Alternatively, it can also be calculated using the formula α = τ / I, where τ is the torque applied to the object and I is the moment of inertia.

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