Two cylinders made of the same material roll down a plane inclined at an angle θ with the horizontal. Each travels the same distance. The radius of cylinder B is twice the radius of cylinder A. In what order do they reach the bottom?
A)A reaches the bottom first because it has the greater acceleration.
B)A reaches the bottom first because it has a smaller rotatinal inertia.
C)B reaches the bottom first because is experiences a larger torque.
D)B reaches the bottom first because it travels a larger distance in one rotation.
E)They both reach the bottom at the same time, because each has the same linear acceleration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both cylinders have the same linear acceleration down the plane as they experience the same gravitational force. The radius of cylinder B being twice of that of A does not affect their linear acceleration. Therefore, they both reach the bottom at the same time.

Two Cylinders Made of the Same Material Roll Down a Plane