Torque and angular acceleration pulley problem

In summary, the problem involves finding the angular acceleration and velocity of a pulley with a force of 30 N exerted tangentially on it. Using torque equations, the acceleration is found to be 10 rad/sec^2 and the velocity after 3 s is 30 rad/sec. However, the correct answer is 20 rad/sec^2 for acceleration and 60 rad/sec for velocity, using the moment of inertia of a solid cylinder instead of a hollow cylinder.
  • #1
BrainMan
279
2

Homework Statement


A pulley in the shape of a cylinder of mass 5 kg and radius 0.6 m has a force of magnitude 30 N exerted tangentially on it. Find the angular acceleration of the pulley and its angular velocity after 3 s, assuming it starts from rest.

Homework Equations


T = Ftr
T = mr^2a



The Attempt at a Solution


(a) I tried to find the acceleration using torque equations
T = FtR
T = 30(.6)
T=18

T = mr^2a
18 = 5(.36)a
a = 10 rad/sec^2

(b) Then I took the acceleration and tried to find the angular velocity
ω = ωi + at
ω = 10(3)
ω = 30 rad/sec

They correct answer is (a) 20 rad/sec^2 (b) 60 rad/sec
 
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  • #2
BrainMan said:
T = mr^2a
18 = 5(.36)a
a = 10 rad/sec^2

You have used MI of a hollow cylinder whereas pulley is a solid cylinder .Use Moment of inertia of solid cylinder .
 
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  • #3
Tanya Sharma said:
You have used MI of a hollow cylinder whereas pulley is a solid cylinder .Use Moment of inertia of solid cylinder .

I got it right. Thanks!
 

1. What is torque and how is it related to angular acceleration in a pulley problem?

Torque is a measure of rotational force. In a pulley problem, it is the force that is applied to the pulley to cause it to rotate. This torque is directly related to the angular acceleration of the pulley, as the greater the torque, the greater the angular acceleration.

2. How is the direction of torque determined in a pulley problem?

The direction of torque in a pulley problem is determined by the direction of the force being applied to the pulley. If the force is clockwise, the torque will also be clockwise. If the force is counterclockwise, the torque will be counterclockwise.

3. What factors affect the torque and angular acceleration in a pulley problem?

The two main factors that affect torque and angular acceleration in a pulley problem are the force applied to the pulley and the radius of the pulley. The greater the force applied or the smaller the radius of the pulley, the greater the torque and angular acceleration will be.

4. How do you calculate the torque in a pulley problem?

To calculate the torque in a pulley problem, you need to multiply the force applied to the pulley by the radius of the pulley. This can be represented by the equation torque = force x radius.

5. Can torque and angular acceleration be negative in a pulley problem?

Yes, torque and angular acceleration can be negative in a pulley problem. This indicates that the direction of the force applied to the pulley is opposite to the direction of rotation, causing a deceleration or slowing down of the pulley.

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