Rotational Dynamics Help Needed

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass of a solid cylinder using a massless string and a hanging block of mass 2.0 kg. The block falls 82 cm in 2.0 seconds, leading to the calculation of acceleration at 0.41 m/s². The participant utilizes equations of motion and force analysis, specifically F=ma and y = y0 + v0t + 1/2at², but struggles with the requirement for the cylinder's radius to proceed further. The participant is advised to leave the radius as a variable "R" to continue the calculations.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
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  • Knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Basic grasp of force and torque calculations
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  • Learn how to apply conservation of mechanical energy in rotational dynamics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to torque and mass calculations in mechanics.

lee_chick
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I'm sure there is something ridiculously simple I'm missing here but this questions has been driving me crazy and now I'm sure I couldn't see the answer if it stared me right in the face.

Homework Statement



A massless string is wrapped around a solid cylinder. A block of mass m=2.0kg hangs from the string. When released the block falls a distance of 82 cm in 2.0s. Starting with a freebody diagram calculate the mass of the cylinder.

*I can't use conservation of energy to solve this as the next question indicates that I am to solve the question again using conservation of mechanical energy.

Homework Equations


y = y0 + v0t + 1/2at2
F=ma
torsion = rF
Net Torsion = Moment of Inertia x rotational acceleration


The Attempt at a Solution



r = ? **This is the part that has me stumped - all of the formulae I know need a radius.
m = 2.0kg
y = 0.82m
t = 2.0s
v0 = 0m/s
mc = ?

Step One: Determine the force of inertia of the cylinder:

y = y0 + v0t + 1/2at2
a=(2y)/(t2)
a = (2 x 0.82m) / (2.0s2)
a = 0.41 m/s2
Fa = ma = 0.41m/s2 x 2.0kg = 0.82N
Fg = mg = 9.81m/s2 x 2.0kg = 19.62N
FI = Fg - Fa = 19.62N - 0.82N = 18.8N


This is as far as I can get before I start running into brick walls. I've played with several different formulae but I always run into a point where I need the radius of the cylinder (which I don't have). Am I missing something really obvious here?
 
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Try solving it anyway, just leave the radius as "R" without plugging in a number for it. See what you can come up with that way.

p.s. Welcome to PF.
 

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