Two identical uniform cylinders, each of mass 10 kg and radius 150 mm, are connected by the rough belt shown and released from rest. After cylinder A has moved 1.2 m, which option correctly gives both (i) its centre speed and (ii) the belt tension?

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Let belt tension be T. For each rolling cylinder write translation ΣF=ma, rotation Tr=Iα with I=½mr², and the no-slip constraints for the belt and ground. Solve the coupled equations to obtain the acceleration, then use v²=2as for s=1.2 m. This gives vₐ=4√(3/7) m/s and T=200/7 N. Hence option C.