Calculate Mass of Cylinder Given Tension & Distance

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To calculate the mass of a cylinder given a hanging mass and its motion, the tension in the string was determined to be -2.9 N. The problem involves a 300 g mass that falls 54 cm in 3.0 seconds, but the radius of the cylinder is unknown, complicating the mass calculation. It was noted that the rolling mass of the cylinder is half its actual mass, which may affect the equations used. The discussion suggests that the radius might cancel out in the calculations, but clarity on this point is lacking. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a proper understanding of the equations of motion and torque to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



A light string is wrapped around a solid cylinder and a 300 g mass hangs from the free end of the string, as shown. When released, the mass falls a distance 54 cm in 3.0 s. Calculate the mass of the cylinder?


Homework Equations



not sure


The Attempt at a Solution



I have gotten as far as to determine the Tension on the string of -2.9N. Without known the radius of the cylinder I feel that the mass cannot be determined.

Granted these are study question but if the final is going to be like this...yikes
 
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hi doub! :smile:
doub said:
A light string is wrapped around a solid cylinder and a 300 g mass hangs from the free end of the string, as shown. When released, the mass falls a distance 54 cm in 3.0 s. Calculate the mass of the cylinder?

Without known the radius of the cylinder I feel that the mass cannot be determined.

the motion depends on what i call the rolling mass of the cylinder, I/r2, which is always half the actual mass! :wink:

carry on … you should find that the radius cancels out :smile:
 
The best I can get is

\alpha = (T1 + T2)/I

= (Fr - Tr)/1/2 mr2

= (mra -(ma+mg)r)/ 1/2 mr2

don't see how the radiii cancel each other though
 
doub said:
\alpha = (T1 + T2)/I

= (Fr - Tr)/1/2 mr2

= (mra -(ma+mg)r)/ 1/2 mr2

sorry, i don't understand any of this :redface:

you should have an F = ma equation and a τ = Iα equation
 
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