Two cylinders made of the same material roll down a plane inclined at an angle $\theta$ 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 moment of 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

The linear acceleration of each cylinder is determined solely by the component of gravitational force acting on it parallel to the incline. The radius of each cylinder does not affect this acceleration. Therefore, since each cylinder travels the same distance, they will both reach the bottom at the same time regardless of their size or mass.

Two Cylinders Made of the Same Material Roll Down a Plane