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

In summary, the problem involves a uniform cylinder with a particle of mass m suspended on a light string wound around it. The system is released from rest and the question asks to find the acceleration of the particle. The relevant equations are torque = moment of inertia x angular acceleration, and resolving the tension in the string. To solve the problem, one must draw two separate free body diagrams and write two F = ma equations and one τ = Iα equation based on these FBDs.
  • #1
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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 accleration)$\alpha$.

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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  • #2
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.
 

1. What is moment of inertia and how is it related to rotation?

Moment of inertia, also known as rotational inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It is directly related to an object's mass and the distance of its mass from the axis of rotation. The greater the moment of inertia, the more force is needed to change the object's rotation.

2. How is moment of inertia calculated for an object rotating about a horizontal axis?

The moment of inertia for an object rotating about a horizontal axis can be calculated using the formula I = MR², where I is the moment of inertia, M is the mass of the object, and R is the distance of the object's mass from the axis of rotation. This formula assumes that the object is a uniform, solid body.

3. How does the moment of inertia differ for different shapes and sizes of objects?

The moment of inertia varies depending on the distribution of mass within an object. Objects with more mass concentrated towards the axis of rotation will have a smaller moment of inertia compared to objects with the same mass but with the mass distributed further from the axis. This means that different shapes and sizes of objects will have different moments of inertia, even if they have the same mass.

4. How does the moment of inertia affect an object's rotational motion?

The moment of inertia plays a crucial role in determining an object's rotational motion. Objects with a higher moment of inertia will require more force to change their rotational motion, making them more resistant to rotation. On the other hand, objects with a lower moment of inertia will rotate more easily.

5. Can the moment of inertia of an object change?

Yes, the moment of inertia can change if the object's mass or its distribution of mass changes. For example, if an object's mass is moved further from the axis of rotation, its moment of inertia will increase. Additionally, the moment of inertia can also change if the object's shape or size is altered.

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