Rotation: Calculating Rotational Energy of Sphere with Steiner

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In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of rotational energy for a sphere with a moment of inertia of 2/5*m*r^2 rolling down a frictionless plane surface. The equation used is Erot=1/2*I*w^2 and the question arises whether the rule of Steiner needs to be applied. The person asking the question is confused as to when Steiner's theorem is necessary for rolling objects.
  • #1
Kruger
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Homework Statement



Consider a spere with momenta of inertia of 2/5*m*r^2 that rolls down a plane surface (no friction). I want to calculate the rotational energy of the sphere when it has speed v0.

Homework Equations



Erot=1/2*I*w^2

The Attempt at a Solution



My only problem is: Do I need to transform my I=2/5*m*r^2 with the rule of steiner, or don't I have to use the rule of Steiner? I would say no.
 
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  • #2
I'm so confused because sometimes Steiner's theorem isn't used and sometimes it is used for rolling objects. Can you please generalize, when I have to use Steiner's theorem for rolling objects? Would be really helpful.
 
  • #3


I would like to clarify that the use of Steiner's theorem is not necessary in this scenario. The formula for rotational energy, Erot=1/2*I*w^2, takes into account the moment of inertia (I) of the object, which is already calculated as 2/5*m*r^2 in this case. The use of Steiner's theorem is only necessary when the axis of rotation is not passing through the center of mass, which is not the case in this scenario. Therefore, you can directly use the given moment of inertia in the formula to calculate the rotational energy of the sphere. I hope this helps.
 

1. What is rotational energy and how is it calculated for a sphere?

Rotational energy is the energy possessed by a rotating object. For a sphere, rotational energy can be calculated using the formula: E = (1/2)Iω^2, where E is the rotational energy, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity.

2. What is the moment of inertia and how does it affect rotational energy?

The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It is affected by both the mass and distribution of mass of an object. Objects with a larger moment of inertia will require more energy to rotate at a given speed, resulting in a higher rotational energy.

3. How is the moment of inertia calculated for a sphere?

The moment of inertia for a solid sphere is given by the formula: I = (2/5)mr^2, where m is the mass of the sphere and r is the radius. For a hollow sphere, the moment of inertia is given by: I = (2/3)mr^2.

4. What is the difference between rotational and linear kinetic energy?

Rotational kinetic energy is the energy associated with an object's rotation, while linear kinetic energy is the energy associated with an object's linear motion. Rotational energy depends on the object's moment of inertia and angular velocity, while linear energy depends on the object's mass and linear velocity.

5. Can the rotational energy of a sphere be changed?

Yes, the rotational energy of a sphere can be changed by altering its moment of inertia or angular velocity. For example, increasing the rotational speed of a sphere will result in an increase in its rotational energy, while increasing its mass will decrease its rotational energy.

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