Search for question
Question

3. Consider the system shown in Fig. 3, and derive an equation of motion for the block of mass m1 - that is, find an expression for the acceleration x.

The expression should not contain any other variables but will include parameters such as the angles ß and ø, the radius of the cylinder R, and the cylinder's mass m2 (the moment of inertia of the cylinder, about its center, is 1/2 m2 R^2). There is negligible friction between block mi and the surface on which it slides, but sufficient friction between the cylinder and its slope so that it rolls without slipping. The rope connecting the block to the cylinder has negligible mass and does not change length. The pulley over which the rope rides has negligible friction and negligible inertia.

Fig: 1

Fig: 2