What is the linear acceleration of the bucket?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a cylindrical reel and a falling bucket, focusing on the calculation of linear acceleration. The problem incorporates concepts from dynamics, rotational motion, and energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between linear and angular acceleration, the application of Newton's second law, and the conservation of energy. There are attempts to derive equations involving tension and acceleration, along with questions about the definitions and roles of various physical quantities.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on setting up equations and clarifying concepts. There is a recognition of multiple interpretations and approaches being explored, particularly regarding the relationships between tension, acceleration, and torque.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over the definitions and applications of terms such as tension, torque, and acceleration. There is an acknowledgment of the need for detailed steps in the problem-solving process, and some participants highlight gaps in their understanding of the underlying physics concepts.

  • #31
i) I don't have any clue... Does it have anything to do with the 90 degree angle the rope makes?

ii) Yes I do, but that equation has 2 unknowns as well. We are missing the acceleration and tension in the older equation.
 
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  • #32
Dark Visitor said:
i) I don't have any clue... Does it have anything to do with the 90 degree angle the rope makes?

What is the definition of torque?
 
  • #33
Torque is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis.

Or in equation form:

\sumτ = I\alpha
 
  • #34
No!

Definition of torque is position "cross" force ("moment of force": r x F).

Look it up!
 
  • #35
Um I did, and I put what I found, both in my book and online.
 
  • #36
Dark Visitor said:
Um I did, and I put what I found, both in my book and online.

Um so did I

and it's "Definition of torque is position "cross" force ("moment of force": r x F)."

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque" and the PF Library. :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #37
Well, obviously I was wrong. No need to rub it in...

Anyways, I am still confused. I don't see what torque has to do with tension. Plus, we don't even have tension. It seems like we still have too many unknowns.
 

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