# Homework Help: Finding Kinetic Energy and Velocity of a pulley / block system

1. Nov 19, 2012

### pyranos

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
In the problem, a hanging block, m, is attached to a pulley that is mounted on a horizontal axle with negligible friction. The pulley has a mass of M=75kg and a radius of R=6.0cm. The mass of the hanging block is m=1kg. The block is released from rest at a height above the ground of 50cm without the cord slipping on the pulley. The pulley is a uniform disk.

2. Relevant equations
A) What is the Kinetic Energy of the system right before the block hits the ground?
B) What is the speed of the block right before it hits the ground?

3. The attempt at a solution
I understand that the potential energy of the system in the beginning will be equal to the kinetic energy of the system just before the block hits the ground, however, I do not know how to find the moment of inertia of the system or the velocity of the block.

I have this equation setup:
PE = KE
mgh = 1/2(m)(v^2) + 1/2(I)(ω^2)

I am not sure where to even start since I don't know how to find the moment of inertia, I, or omega. Anything would help out, even a little nudge in the right direction would be appreciated.

2. Nov 19, 2012

### grzz

Moment of inertia of pulley = moment of inertia of a uniform disc = $\frac{1}{2}$Mr$^{2}$.

3. Nov 19, 2012

### pyranos

Would the hanging mass affect the moment of inertia on the disc?

4. Nov 19, 2012

### pyranos

I understand that the moment of inertia for the disc is 1/2(M)(r)^2, but how do you solve the equation for KE? There are two unknown variables still in the equation, and I am not sure how to solve for velocity or omega.