Chapter 15: Problem 11
A yo-yo of total mass \(m\) consists of two solid cylinders of radius \(R\), connected by a small spindle of negligible mass and radius \(r\). The top of the string is held motionless while the string unrolls from the spindle. Show that the acceleration of the yo-yo is \(g /\left(1+R^{2} / 2 r^{2}\right)\). [Hint: The acceleration and the tension in the string are unknown. Use \(\tau=\Delta L / \Delta t\) and \(F=m a\) to determine these two unknowns.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify Forces Acting on the Yo-Yo
Apply Newton's Second Law for Linear Motion
Establish the Torque Equation
Relate Linear and Angular Variables
Solve for Tension T
Substitute T into Linear Equation
Solve for Acceleration a
Conclusion
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Newton's Second Law
Newton's Second Law allows us to express this relationship as:
- In terms of force: \( F_{net} = mg - T \).
- Here, \( mg \) is the gravitational force, pulling down the yo-yo, and \( T \) is the tension in the string, acting upwards.
Torque and Angular Acceleration
- Formula for torque: \( \tau = T r \)
- Where \( T \) is the force or tension and \( r \) is the radius of the spindle.
- Torque relates to angular acceleration through moment of inertia: \( \tau = I \alpha \).
Moment of Inertia
- Moment of Inertia formula: \( I = \frac{m R^2}{2} \)
- Here, \( R \) is the radius of the cylinders, and \( m \) is the mass.
Linear and Angular Relationships
- Angular acceleration (\alpha ) and linear acceleration ( a ): \( \alpha = \frac{a}{r} \).
- Here, \( r \) is the radius of the spindle.