IPhO 1968 · Theory problem 1

Solid cylinder and block joined by a cord on an inclined plane

On an inclined plane of \(30^\circ\) a block, mass \(m_2 = 4\) kg, is joined by a light cord to a solid cylinder, mass \(m_1 = 8\) kg, radius \(r = 5\) cm (Fig. 1). Find the acceleration if the bodies are released. The coefficient of friction between the block and the inclined plane \(\mu = 0.2\). Friction at the bearing and rolling friction are negligible.

Figure 1

Figure 1

Official English text of the problem.

Answers

  • Problem 1: Both bodies accelerate down the inclined plane with \[ \boxed{a=\frac{(m_1+m_2)g\sin30^\circ-\mu m_2g\cos30^\circ} {\frac32m_1+m_2} =0.3317g\approx3.25\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}.} \] The numerical value uses \(g=9.81\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\).

Solution

Problem 1

Treat the cord as massless and inextensible, and assume the cylinder rolls without slipping. With the cord taut, both bodies have the same acceleration \(a\). Take the direction down the plane as positive and write \(\theta=30^\circ\).

The cord acts through the cylinder’s central bearing, so its tension produces no torque about the cylinder’s axis. Negligible rolling friction means that there is no rolling-resistance torque; static friction at the contact still supplies the torque needed for rotation.

Let \(T\) be the tension and \(f\) the static friction on the cylinder, directed up the plane.

For the block, the cord pulls down the plane. Its normal reaction and sliding friction are \[ N_2=m_2g\cos\theta, \qquad F_2=\mu m_2g\cos\theta. \] Newton’s second law along the plane therefore gives \[ m_2a=m_2g\sin\theta+T-\mu m_2g\cos\theta. \tag{1} \]

For the cylinder, both tension and static friction act up the plane: \[ m_1a=m_1g\sin\theta-T-f. \tag{2} \]

The moment of inertia of a solid cylinder about its axis is \[ I=\frac12m_1r^2. \] If its angular acceleration has magnitude \(\beta\), rolling without slipping requires \(a=r\beta\). The rotational equation about its centre is consequently \[ fr=I\beta =\frac12m_1r^2\frac{a}{r}, \] and hence \[ f=\frac12m_1a. \tag{3} \]

Adding (1) and (2), then substituting (3), eliminates the tension: \[ (m_1+m_2)a =(m_1+m_2)g\sin\theta-\mu m_2g\cos\theta-\frac12m_1a. \] Thus \[ \boxed{ a=\frac{(m_1+m_2)g\sin\theta-\mu m_2g\cos\theta} {\frac32m_1+m_2}. } \] The radius cancels because \(I/r^2=m_1/2\).

Substitution gives \[ a =g\frac{(8+4)(1/2)-(0.2)(4)(\sqrt3/2)} {(3/2)(8)+4} =g\frac{5.30718}{16} =0.331699g, \] so \[ \boxed{a\approx3.25\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\quad\text{down the plane}.} \]

Finally, the assumed taut cord must require a positive tension. From (1), \[ T=m_2a-m_2g\sin\theta+\mu m_2g\cos\theta \approx0.192\,\mathrm N>0. \] Thus the common-acceleration solution is consistent with a cord that can pull but cannot push.

The solution was checked against the official solution.