Solving the Yo-Yo's Limit Angle for Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the limit angle θ for a yo-yo's acceleration, involving a cylinder and two wheels. The user outlines the forces acting on the system, including tension T, weight mg, normal force N, and static friction f_s. The equations presented are T*sinθ + N = mg, T*cosθ - f_s = ma_cm, and f_s*R2 - T*R1 = I_G*α = I_G * a_cm / R2. The user seeks assistance in resolving sign errors in their calculations, which are crucial for accurately predicting the yo-yo's motion.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and torque
  • Knowledge of static friction and its role in rolling motion
  • Basic algebra for solving systems of equations
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  • Study the effects of static friction on rolling motion
  • Learn about the moment of inertia and its application in rotational dynamics
  • Practice solving systems of equations involving multiple forces and torques
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for examples of rotational motion problems.

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Homework Statement


We have a yo-yo, formed by a little cylinder tied to a little rope, and two big disks as wheels, one for each side of the central cylinder. We do a force T on the rope; its slope is an angle θ over the horizontal x-axis.
We are given the mass m of the cylinder, the mass M of each wheel, the radius of the cylinder R1 and the radius of each wheel R2. We want to know the limit angle θ , for the acceleration to be positive or negative.
I try to explain it better: under a certain angle, the yo-yo have a pure roll in the positive direction, over this angle it goes "back" and rolls towards the negative direction.

The Attempt at a Solution


I put in all the forces, the weight $mg$, the reaction $N$, and the friction force (static, since it's roling) towards the left side.
My equations are:
T*sinθ + N = m*g
T*cosθ - f_{s} = m*a_{cm}
f_{s}*R2 - T*R1 = I_{G}*α = I_{G} * a_{cm} / R2

But I'm always obtaining a non-sense answer solving the system, I guess I'm doing wrong something about the signes. Can someone help me?
Thanks a lot.
 
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when it rolls, its rotation is around the point where it contacts the ground.
If the torque around this point is zero, it does not roll (alpha = 0).
 


Thank you very much| Now I got it :D
 

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