PDA

View Full Version : Rolling motion including torque and acceleration


XxBollWeevilx
Feb26-08, 08:47 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A constant horizontal force \vec{F} is applied to a lawn roller in the form of a uniform solid cylinder of radius R and mass M. If the roller rolls without slipping on the horizontal surface, show that (a) the acceleration of the center of mass is \frac{2\vec{F}}{3M} and (b) the minimum coefficient of friction necessary to prevent slipping is \frac{F}{3Mg}. (Hint: Take the torque with respect to the center of mass.

2. Relevant equations

Not quite sure.

3. The attempt at a solution

Well, this is my last problem of the night to finish. To be honest, i have no idea where to begin. I don't know how to examine the acceleration or how to use torque to find friction. Any step in a positive direction would be helpful. I appreciate it.

XxBollWeevilx
Feb26-08, 09:17 PM
I was thinking maybe a force diagram...but I'm not sure how it would apply to the rolling motion.

XxBollWeevilx
Feb26-08, 09:50 PM
Also, I'm not sure whether the applied force is causing any torque or not.