Rotational Dynamics: Pulley and mass system

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a rotational dynamics problem involving an 8.0-cm radius disk with a rotational inertia of 0.12 kg*m² and a 10-kg mass. The torque applied to the disk is 9.0 N*m, leading to an acceleration calculation for the mass. The correct answer is determined to be 0.50 m/s², as derived from the equations of motion and torque. The participant initially calculated an acceleration of approximately 1.17 m/s² due to algebraic errors in their approach.

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henryli78
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Homework Statement


A 8.0-cm radius disk with a rotational inertia of 0.12 kg*m^2 is free to rotate on a horizontal axis. A string is fastened to the surface of the disk and a 10-kg mass hangs from the other end. The mass is raised by a using a crank to apply a 9.0-N*m torque to the disk. The acceleration of the mass is:
A. 0.50 m/s^2
B. 1.7 m/s^2
C. 6.2 m/s^2
D. 12 m/s^2
E. 20 m/s^2
Answer: A

Homework Equations


∑\tau = I\alpha
∑F = ma
a = \alphar

The Attempt at a Solution


The net torque of the system is:
I*\alpha = I*a/r = 9.0 N*m - F_{T}*r
Thus, F_{T} = (Ia/r-9)/(-r)
By N2L:
ma = F_{T} - mg = (Ia/r-9)/(-r) - mg
Rearranging gives:
a = (mg)/((I/r-9/(-r))-m) and substituting in values gives me an answer of about 1.17 m/s^2.

Can someone direct me on where I have gone wrong in my calculations? I would very much appreciate it :)
 
Last edited:
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henryli78 said:
...ma = F_{T} - mg = (Ia/r-9)/(-r) - mg...

Open up the RHS and carefully collect the terms containing a.
 
Ok thank you. I guess my mistake was just in bad algebra :P
 

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