Torque Pulley Problem: Calculating Angular Acceleration | Homework Solution"

[sonic91]

Homework Statement

the problem statement is in the pic.

Homework Equations

inertia for cylinder shape= m*r^2*1/2
torque=F*"length
sum of torque= "inertia" * "angular acceleration"
w=mg

The Attempt at a Solution

i was thinking that the weight forces of the masses times the length would give me the individual torques. i converted the cm to m to stay in SI units. having the counterclockwise as my positive direction i set up my equation:
(9.8m/s^2*1kg*.1m) + (9.8m/s^2*4.9kg*.1m)= 1/2*4kg*.1m^2* "angular acceleration".
i got "angular acceleration" = 191.1 rad/s^2. i entered this into the computer and i confirmed that it was wrong.

i was thinking that maybe i needed to use the 2 different tension forces in place of the gravitational forces that i used in my torque equation. but in that case i end up with an equation with 3 unknowns. so I'm not sure what to do?

 

[pat666]

wouldn't you need the moment of inertia for the pulley to?

 

[sonic91]

wouldn't you need the moment of inertia for the pulley to?

in the problem i have enough info to calculate the moment of inertia:

1/2 *m *r^2 using the given mass and radius of the pulley.

1/2 *4kg*.1^2= .02 kg m