Why Is My Solution for Rotational Motion Incorrect?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a student's confusion regarding an incorrect solution for a rotational motion problem. The student made an error by improperly canceling variables in their equation, leading to a different answer. Other participants emphasize that such algebraic mistakes are common and encourage careful review of work to avoid them. They share experiences of even experienced professionals making similar errors. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of meticulousness in solving physics problems.
GreenPrint
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Homework Statement



Please see the attachment.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Please see the attachment. When I tried to solve the equations for a I got a different answer and I don't see what I'm doing wrong. Please let me know if you cannot follow my work. Thanks for any help you can provide.
 

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Illegal algebra cancellation.

\frac{MR^2}{2}\frac{a}{r}=(F_T)\,r

In the above equation, you canceled r on the left side with r on the right side.
 
oh that's embarrassing thanks
 
GreenPrint said:
oh that's embarrassing thanks

Don't be embarrassed by it. Arithmetic and algebraic mistakes just plumb happen even to the best of us. I've had a professor who was the chair of my university's physics department and who performs nuclear physics experiments (specifically with lead nuclei, IIRC) at the LHC, and on occasion he made algebra errors when demonstrating examples on the board. Just go through stuff more slowly and carefully, and you should minimize the number of those mistakes that you make. :)
 

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