Verifying Torque and Motion Problem Solution

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving torque and motion, specifically focusing on the dynamics of a system with blocks and a pulley. Participants are verifying calculations related to acceleration and torque, while also considering the effects of friction and the mass of the pulley.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to verify their solutions and calculations regarding the acceleration of the blocks and the torque on the pulley. Questions are raised about the assumptions made regarding the mass of the pulley and the nature of the table's surface.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided alternative calculations and insights into the problem, particularly regarding the role of the pulley and the necessity of accounting for its mass. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these factors on the overall solution.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific values for gravitational acceleration and the need to reconsider calculations based on the mass of the pulley. The discussion includes acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings regarding the tension in the system.

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Homework Statement



All info is in attachment

Homework Equations



All info is in attachment

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm asking if someone can verify whether or not my work is correct. I'm doubting whether I solved the problem correctly or not.
 

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looks alright
 
Hockeystar said:

Homework Statement



All info is in attachment

Homework Equations



All info is in attachment

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm asking if someone can verify whether or not my work is correct. I'm doubting whether I solved the problem correctly or not.

I wonder table is smooth or not.
 
You got the wrong acceleration. Even if friction is neglected, the pulley has to be taken into account, as it's not massless. Here is my solution (assume that the table is frictionless):
_ For the 2-kg block:
[tex]m_2g - T_2 = m_2a[/tex]
[tex]T_2 = 20 - 2a[/tex]
_ For the 4-kg block:
[tex]T_4 = m_4a[/tex]
[tex]T_4 = 4a[/tex]
_ For the pulley:
[tex]T_2r - T_4r - M_f = I.\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pr^2\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pra[/tex]
[tex]T_2 - T_4 - 2.5 = 1.5a[/tex]
Thus:
[tex]20 - 2a - 4a - 2.5 = 1.5a[/tex]
[tex]a = \frac{7}{3} m/s^2[/tex]
_ The torque on the pulley:
[tex]M_p = I.\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pr^2\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pra[/tex]
[tex]M_p = 0.7 Nm[/tex]

Oh they ask for the torque on the pulley, which means this torque includes the friction's torque.
 
hikaru1221 said:
You got the wrong acceleration. Even if friction is neglected, the pulley has to be taken into account, as it's not massless. Here is my solution (assume that the table is frictionless):
_ For the 2-kg block:
[tex]m_2g - T_2 = m_2a[/tex]
[tex]T_2 = 20 - 2a[/tex]
_ For the 4-kg block:
[tex]T_4 = m_4a[/tex]
[tex]T_4 = 4a[/tex]
_ For the pulley:
[tex]T_2r - T_4r - M_f = I.\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pr^2\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pra[/tex]
[tex]T_2 - T_4 - 2.5 = 1.5a[/tex]
Thus:
[tex]20 - 2a - 4a - 2.5 = 1.5a[/tex]
[tex]a = \frac{7}{3} m/s^2[/tex]
_ The torque on the pulley:
[tex]M_p = I.\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pr^2\alpha = \frac{1}{2}m_pra[/tex]
[tex]M_p = 0.7 Nm[/tex]

Oh they ask for the torque on the pulley, which means this torque includes the friction's torque.

You mean tension on the string are not the same for 2 bodies. We consider same tension. According to hockeystar, you should take g= 9.8 ms-2.
 
inky said:
You mean tension on the string are not the same for 2 bodies. We consider same tension. According to hockeystar, you should take g= 9.8 ms-2.

It is impossible for the tensions to equal. Since the pulley is not massless, if the tensions equal, their torques on the pulley cancel each other, plus the frictional torque which prevents the pulley to rotate, the pulley will no way rotate.
If the pulley is massless, its moment of inertia is zero. From the equation: torque = (moment of inertia) x (angular acceleration), we shall see that torque = 0.

Sorry for not noticing g=9.8 m/s^2 :) So all to do is just recalculating.
 
hikaru1221 said:
It is impossible for the tensions to equal. Since the pulley is not massless, if the tensions equal, their torques on the pulley cancel each other, plus the frictional torque which prevents the pulley to rotate, the pulley will no way rotate.
If the pulley is massless, its moment of inertia is zero. From the equation: torque = (moment of inertia) x (angular acceleration), we shall see that torque = 0.

Sorry for not noticing g=9.8 m/s^2 :) So all to do is just recalculating.

Thanks . I got a lot of knowledge.
 

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