Conservation of Momentum: Pulley System

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a pulley system with two blocks, A and B, and a solid disc pulley. The key equations referenced include the torque equation Στ=Iα, the relationship between angular acceleration and linear acceleration α=a/r, and the moment of inertia for a disk, given by 1/2mr^2. The participants confirm the calculations appear correct, but the original poster suspects an error in the online homework checker rather than their solution.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and torque
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations
  • Experience with online homework systems for physics
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  • Review the principles of rotational dynamics in physics
  • Study the derivation of the moment of inertia for various shapes
  • Learn how to analyze pulley systems in mechanics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational motion, as well as educators looking to understand common pitfalls in teaching pulley systems.

Watney
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Homework Statement


Block A (of mass MA) rests on a frictionless horizontal table. It is connected via a light string to block B (of mass MB) hanging over the edge of the table. The pulley itself, a solid disc, has non-negligible mass MC. The light string does not slip over the pulley.
What is the magnitude of the linear acceleration of the system?

Edit: Messed up with the title! This problem is in the chapter of Conservation of Momentum in my book but I actually didn't use it for this problem.

Homework Equations


Στ=Iα
α=a/r
Moment of Inertia of a disk = 1/2mr^2

The Attempt at a Solution


So here's my attempt but I'm not sure where I'm messing up.
FullSizeRender 2.jpg
 
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Your work looks correct .

Why do you think you are messing up somewhere ?
 
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Vibhor said:
Your work looks correct .

Why do you think you are messing up somewhere ?

When I enter my answer into my online homework answer checker, it says it's wrong. I'll have to ask my professor if maybe there's a mistake with his website cause sometimes he messes up!
Thanks though!
 
I don't know where you're messing up. I didn't see anything wrong.
 
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Watney said:
sometimes he messes up
That is probably what happened. I went through the problem twice and got the same result both times.

Acknowledging @Vibhor who answered before me. I didn't see it until after I posted.
 
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