---
title: "Pulleys \\( X \\) and \\( Y \\) are each attached to a block by a string that wraps around the pulley. Both blocks are released and have the same linear acceleration \\( a \\). As the blocks fall, the pulleys rotate about their centers. Pulley \\( Y \\) has a larger radius than Pulley \\( X \\). How does the angular acceleration \\( \\alpha_X \\) of Pulley \\( X \\) compare to the angular acceleration \\( \\alpha_Y \\) of Pulley \\( Y \\)?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/81229/"
date_modified: "2025-03-13T11:09:15+00:00"
---

# Pulleys \( X \) and \( Y \) are each attached to a block by a string that wraps around the pulley. Both blocks are released and have the same linear acceleration \( a \). As the blocks fall, the pulleys rotate about their centers. Pulley \( Y \) has a larger radius than Pulley \( X \). How does the angular acceleration \( \alpha_X \) of Pulley \( X \) compare to the angular acceleration \( \alpha_Y \) of Pulley \( Y \)?

Pulleys \( X \) and \( Y \) are each attached to a block by a string that wraps around the pulley. Both blocks are released and have the same linear acceleration \( a \). As the blocks fall, the pulleys rotate about their centers. Pulley \( Y \) has a larger radius than Pulley \( X \). How does the angular acceleration \( \alpha_X \) of Pulley \( X \) compare to the angular acceleration \( \alpha_Y \) of Pulley \( Y \)?

![Diagram](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/twopulleycompariosonofalpha-300x205.png)

- **A.** \[ \alpha_X > \alpha_Y \]
- **B.** \[ \alpha_X < \alpha_Y \]
- **C.** \[ \alpha_X = \alpha_Y \]
- **D.** The angular accelerations cannot be determined without know the mass of each block.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/81229/*