Troubleshooting a Discrepancy in Atwood Cylinder Solution

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on troubleshooting a discrepancy in the Atwood Cylinder solution, specifically regarding the acceleration calculation. The user applied the force and torque equations, resulting in an acceleration of \( a = \frac{2g}{3} \), while the solution manual states \( a = \frac{g}{2} \). The error arises from misunderstanding the relationship between the cylinder's motion and the string's velocity, particularly the factor of two in the velocity due to the cylinder's unrolling motion. The correct interpretation involves recognizing that the total velocity of the string is indeed twice the velocity of the cylinder.

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Abhishek11235
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Homework Statement


The problem is in attached screenshot. Now,I solved this using force/torque method. However ,I got different solution as given in solution manual. Where I have gone wrong?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Applying F=ma to cylinder:
$$mg-T=ma$$
Applying ##\tau = I\alpha## to cylinder about CoM,
$$TR= I\alpha$$
Since the string doesn't slip we have
$$\alpha= a/R $$

Solving the above 3 with ##I=MR^2/2## we have,
$$Mg= 3Ma/2 \implies a=2g/3$$
However,the solution is ##a=g/2##. Where I have gone wrong?
 

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Abhishek11235 said:
Since the string doesn't slip we have
That equation describes the cylinder's motion relative to the string, i.e. where a is the acceleration relative to the string.
 
Can you describe it in detail?
haruspex said:
That equation describes the cylinder's motion relative to the string, i.e. where a is the acceleration relative to the string.
 
haruspex said:
That equation describes the cylinder's motion relative to the string, i.e. where a is the acceleration relative to the string.
Please check my reasoning. The velocity of string is due to
1) The block moves down which pulls out string from cylinder
2) The cylinder moves down which unrolls thread

Hence ,total velocity of thread = 2×velocity of cylinder=##\omega ×R## since there is no slipping
 
Abhishek11235 said:
The velocity of string is due to
1) The block moves down which pulls out string from cylinder
Yes.
Abhishek11235 said:
The cylinder moves down which unrolls thread
No. Even if the string were stationary the cylinder would move down unrolling the thread.
 
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