Rotational Dynamics (Rotating pulley)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of a block connected to a rotating pulley with a radius of 20 cm and a moment of inertia of 0.2 kg m². The block's mass is 1 kg, and the acceleration is determined to be 10 m/s², as stated in the reference book. The participants clarify that the mass of the pulley can be derived from its moment of inertia, assuming the pulley is a disk. Key equations discussed include torque and angular acceleration, emphasizing the relationship between the block's acceleration and the pulley's rotation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and moment of inertia
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law for rotational motion
  • Knowledge of torque and angular acceleration relationships
  • Basic principles of pulley systems and tension forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of moment of inertia for different shapes, particularly disks
  • Learn how to apply Newton's laws to rotational systems
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular acceleration in pulley systems
  • Investigate the effects of friction on pulley dynamics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of pulley systems in action.

ritwik06
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Homework Statement


The descending pulley shown in the figure has a radius 20 cm and moment of inertia 0.2 kg m^{2}. The fixed pulley is light and the horizontal plane frictionless.
Find the acceleration of the block if its mass is One kg.

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/1808/diagrammj2.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure whether the lower pulley will rotate or not but as the moment of inertia and the radius is given, I think it will. Please explain this:

Assuming the lower pulley rotates.
Tension in the left segment =T
And in the right segment =T' (since there must be friction present for the lower pulley to rotate)

T=a (a is acceleration of block)

Mg-(T+T')=Ma*0.5 (where M is the mass of the pulley - which is unknown, how will I take this out?)

The acceleration of the pulley will be half the acceleration of the block, isn't it?

Torque=I*angular acceleration
0.2(T'-T)=0.2(a/2R) (R=0.2 m given)

The answer given in my book is 10 m/s2 but I am not sure how to get the mass of the pulley? Where exactly am I going wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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you should be able to get the mass from the given moment of inertia --- sometimes also known as the "angular mass" or "mass moment of inertia."

Edited to add: Hint: what shape is the pulley?
 
Last edited:
physics girl phd said:
you should be able to get the mass from the given moment of inertia --- sometimes also known as the "angular mass" or "mass moment of inertia."

Edited to add: Hint: what shape is the pulley?

It hasnt been provided in th question- the shape of the pulley- Can it be assume to be a disk!

Also I need assistance on this equation of mine!
Do u agree that the 2* acceleration of pulley = acceleration of block(a)

Then while using a=r*\alpha
what shall I put a?? acceleration of pulley or of block?
 

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