Two identical masses are connected to two different flywheels that are initially stationary. Flywheel A is larger and has more mass, but has hexagonal sections where material has been removed. The attached masses are released from rest and allowed to fall a height h.

Which of the following statements about their angular accelerations is true?

A. The angular acceleration of the two flywheels is different but it is impossible to tell which is greater.
B. The angular acceleration of flywheel A is greater The angular acceleration of flywheel B is greater.
C. Not enough information is provided to determine.
D. The angular accelerations of the two flywheels are equal.

Respuesta :

Answer:C

Explanation:

Answer: C - not enough information is provided.

Explanation:

The flywheel consists of a heavy circular wheel fitted with an axle projecting on either side.The axle is mounted on ball bearings on two fixed supports.

When a torque is applied to body the angular acceleration α is given by the ratio of the torque and moment of inertia.

The angular acceleration depend not only on the torque τ but also on the moment of inertia I of the body about the given axis which is determined by all the below parameters:

 I = Moment of inertia of the flywheel assembly

             N = Number of rotation of the flywheel before it stopped

             m = mass of the rings

             n = Number of windings of the string on the axle

             g = Acceleration due to gravity of the environment.

             h = Height of the weight assembly from the ground.

             r = Radius of the axle.

All these parameters are not given. Therefore, enough information is not provided to determine the angular acceleration.