Rotational Motion and Conservation of Energy

In summary, the problem was to calculate the height attained by a uniform solid sphere rolling on a horizontal surface at 20m/s and then up an incline with a 30° angle of inclination, ignoring friction. The correct solution involved using the equation Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep = Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep and the moment of inertia for a uniform solid sphere, I = (2mr^2)/5, to calculate the height of 28.57m.
  • #1
AikiGirl
4
0

Homework Statement


A uniform solid sphere rolls on a horizontal surface at 20m.s^-1 and then rolls up an incline which has an angle on inclination of 30°. Ignoring friction, calculate the height attained by the sphere.


Homework Equations


Weren't given any specific equations to work with but here are some I've attempted to use:
Ek(lin)= 1/2 mv^2, Ek(rot)=1/2 Iw^2, Ep=mgh, Vf=Vi+at, D=Vi t + 1/2 at^2


The Attempt at a Solution


As it is a uniform sphere I ignored Ek(rot). We were given an answer of 29m.

E(before)=E(after)
Ek+Ep=Ek+Ep
1/2mv^2 +mgh= 1/2mv^2 +mgh (masses cancel)
0.5x20^2 + 9.8x0 = 0.5 (20/cos30)^2 + 9.8h Not sure if this is the right one to use
200 = 266.67 + 9.8h
-66.67 = 9.8h
h= - 6.8

So I tried looking at just the vertical component:
Vf=Vi+at
0=(20tan30) + 9.8 t
9.8t=11.55
t=1.18s

D=Vi t + 1/2 at^2
D=11.55 x 1.18 + 0.5 x 9.8 x 1.18^2
D= 20.41m

Does anyone see where I went wrong? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
AikiGirl said:

The Attempt at a Solution


As it is a uniform sphere I ignored Ek(rot). We were given an answer of 29m.

Uniformity does not mean ignorable rotational energy.

ehild
 
  • #3
I still can't get the right answer?

Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep = Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep
1/2 Iw^2 + 1/2mv^2 +mgh = 1/2 Iw^2 + 1/2mv^2 +mgh
1/2 r^2(v^2)/(r^2) + 1/2 v^2 +0 = 0 + 0 + 9.8h
1/2 x 20^2 + 1/2 x 20^2 =9.8h
200+200 = 9.8h

h=40.8m

Is that right working??
 
  • #4
AikiGirl said:
I still can't get the right answer?

Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep = Ek(rot) + Ek(lin) +Ep
1/2 Iw^2 + 1/2mv^2 +mgh = 1/2 Iw^2 + 1/2mv^2 +mgh
1/2 r^2(v^2)/(r^2) + 1/2 v^2 +0 = 0 + 0 + 9.8h
1/2 x 20^2 + 1/2 x 20^2 =9.8h
200+200 = 9.8h

h=40.8m

Is that right working??

Not quite. What's the moment of inertia for a uniform solid sphere?
 
  • #5
According to wiki it's I = (2mr^2)/5

So,

1/2 x 2/5 x 20^2 + 200 =9.8h
280=9.8h
h=28.57m

:D
 

1. What is rotational motion?

Rotational motion is the movement of an object around an axis or a fixed point. It is the circular or rotational movement of an object, where all points on the object move in a circle around the axis of rotation.

2. What is conservation of energy in rotational motion?

Conservation of energy in rotational motion refers to the principle that the total energy of a system remains constant as long as there are no external forces acting on the system. This means that the amount of energy in a rotating object will not change unless there is an external force causing a change in its rotational motion.

3. What is the difference between linear and rotational motion?

The main difference between linear and rotational motion is the type of movement involved. Linear motion is the movement of an object in a straight line, while rotational motion is the movement of an object around an axis or a fixed point. Another difference is that rotational motion involves torque, while linear motion involves force.

4. How is torque related to rotational motion?

Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis or a fixed point. It is directly proportional to the force applied and the distance from the axis of rotation. In rotational motion, torque is responsible for causing changes in an object's angular velocity and acceleration.

5. What are some examples of conservation of energy in rotational motion?

Some examples of conservation of energy in rotational motion include a spinning top, a rotating carousel, a swinging pendulum, and a spinning figure skater. In all these examples, the total energy of the system remains constant, even as the objects rotate or change their rotational motion.

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