Calculate Linear Acceleration of 0.5kg Mass Suspended from Flywheel

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the linear acceleration of a 0.5kg mass suspended from a flywheel that falls 0.5m in 1.5s, the correct approach involves using the SUVAT equation d = VoT + 0.5at², where initial velocity (Vo) is zero. The calculations show that the linear acceleration (a) is approximately 0.44 m/s². The discussion highlights the importance of distinguishing between linear and angular acceleration, noting that the torque equation provided is not necessary for this problem. Participants confirmed the calculations and clarified the correct formula usage. Overall, the thread emphasizes the application of kinematic equations to solve for linear acceleration in this scenario.
kelvin scott
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Moved from a technical forum, no template.
A mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s ,calculate the
linear acceleration of the mass

Σ Torque = I x a
Σ F = m* a

Im I right with the formulas?
 
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[Moderator note: comments about moving this to homework removed.]

But, in any case, if you know the distance covered in a given time under constant acceleration, surely you should be looking at (i.e. selecting) one of those pesky SUVAT equations to give you a.
Also, no one mentioned the value of I so that is not going to turn up in any formula that's useful.
 
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so it means ; d= VoT + 0.5 at (2) ?
 

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kelvin scott said:
so it means ; d= VoT + 0.5 at (2) ?
That formula should do it (when you actually copy it correctly). Note: it's a lower case "t" both times., initial velocity is zero and it's t2 in the right hand side. You have values for all but one variable so you can solve it.
 
yea thanks but can't locate the keys to achieve this t2

0.5 = 0*1.5+0.5*a*1.5 ^2
0.5 =0.5*a*1.5^2
=a*1.5^2/ 0.5
=a*1.5^2=1
a =1/ 1.5^2
a =1/2.25
a =0.44m/s^2
hoping I am on the right track
 
Looks ok to me. The flywheel is effective at slowing the rate of fall!
If you look at the bar at the top of the compose window, you will see various buttons, including x2 and x2. s^2 is harder read
 
kelvin scott said:
A mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s ,calculate the
linear acceleration of the mass

Σ Torque = I x a
Σ F = m* a

Im I right with the formulas?
Not quite. You put "a" in both, but in the first equation it should be an angular acceleration, usually denoted α (alpha).
Anyway, as @sophiecentaur mentions, neither is what you need for this question.
 
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ok thanks to all who contributed
 
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