Question involving moment of inertia, rotation about a horizontal axis.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a particle suspended from a uniform cylinder with a moment of inertia of $2Ma^2$ and radius 2a, rotating about a horizontal axis. The initial attempt to derive the angular acceleration using the equation $\alpha = \frac{mg}{2am + Ma}$ was identified as incorrect. The correct approach involves drawing separate free body diagrams for both the hanging mass and the cylinder, leading to the formulation of two F = ma equations and one τ = Iα equation to accurately solve for the system's dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of moment of inertia, specifically for a uniform cylinder.
  • Knowledge of torque and its relationship to angular acceleration.
  • Ability to draw and interpret free body diagrams (FBDs).
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law in rotational dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of moment of inertia for various shapes, focusing on cylinders.
  • Learn how to apply Newton's second law to rotational systems.
  • Explore the concept of torque and its calculation in different scenarios.
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple bodies and free body diagrams.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of rotational dynamics and problem-solving techniques in classical mechanics.

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Homework Statement



A uniform cylinder, of radius 2a and moment of inertia $2Ma^2$ is free to rotate about its horizontal axis. A light, inextenzible string is wound round the cylinder and a particle of mass m is suspended on its free end. If the system is released from rest, find the acceleration of the particle.

Homework Equations



Torque(C)=Moment of inertia(I) x (angular acceleration)$\alpha$.

The Attempt at a Solution



Resolving the tension in the string, we get T=mg-2ma(alpha)
Which gives upon calculating the angular acceleration (given that I=2Ma^2)
alpha=(mg)/(2am+Ma) which is somehow incorrect.

Can someone correct my error?
 
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You need to draw two separate free body diagrams, one for the hanging mass and one for the cylinder. Then you need to write two F = ma equations and one τ = Iα equation based on these two FBDs.
 

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