Final answer:
The acceleration of the plank can be determined by analyzing the forces acting on it. The net force can be found by subtracting the force of friction from the applied force. Substituting the known values into the equations gives an acceleration of approximately 1.65 m/s².
Step-by-step explanation:
The acceleration of the plank can be determined by analyzing the forces acting on it. Since the cylinders are rolling without slipping, the sum of the torques must be equal to the moment of inertia times the angular acceleration.
The force of friction between the cylinders and the plank creates a torque that opposes the angular acceleration. The force of friction can be calculated using the normal force and the coefficient of friction.
Using Newton's second law, the acceleration of the plank can be found by dividing the net force acting on it by its mass. The net force is equal to the applied force minus the force of friction.
Substituting the known values into the equations will give the acceleration of the plank, which is approximately 1.65 m/s².