Ball rolling down a ramp time difference

In summary, an additional component of motion in the plane of the ramp (at right angles to both "downslope" and "normal") would change the time it takes for the ball to reach the bottom.
  • #1
ItsImpulse
26
0
suppose you had a ball rolling down a ramp, without slipping and compare it to a ball that starts with a velocity u that is horizontally to the side. how would the time taken be different to reach the bottom?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ItsImpulse said:
suppose you had a ball rolling down a ramp, without slipping
Starting with zero speed?

ItsImpulse said:
and compare it to a ball that starts with a velocity u that is horizontally to the side.
Thrown horizontally from same height as the first ball?

ItsImpulse said:
how would the time taken be different to reach the bottom?
Consider the vertical accelerations in both cases.
 
  • #3
A.T. said:
Starting with zero speed?


Thrown horizontally from same height as the first ball?


Consider the vertical accelerations in both cases.


1. yes starting with 0 speed.
2. it's rolling down a ramp but yes at same height.
3. vertical acceleration is just gsin(theta) am I right?
 
  • #4
Perhaps look at it from an energy perspective. Both start with PE but one is rolling and the other not. Apply conservation of energy. They can't both have the same linear KE at the bottom. The one that's just falling/sliding will have converted all of the initial PE to linear KE. The one that's rolling will have converted some to rotational KE leaving less for linear KE.
 
  • #5
CWatters said:
Perhaps look at it from an energy perspective. Both start with PE but one is rolling and the other not. Apply conservation of energy. They can't both have the same linear KE at the bottom. The one that's just falling/sliding will have converted all of the initial PE to linear KE. The one that's rolling will have converted some to rotational KE leaving less for linear KE.


so in other words the one that rotates more will go down the ramp slower?

it would be mgh = 0.5mv^2 + 0.5Iw^2 right?
 
  • #6
ItsImpulse said:
3. vertical acceleration is just gsin(theta) am I right?
For sliding. Rotational inertia makes it even slower.
 
  • #7
ItsImpulse said:
so in other words the one that rotates more will go down the ramp slower?

it would be mgh = 0.5mv^2 + 0.5Iw^2 right?

Correct.

Whereas for a block or ball sliding down a frictionless inclined surface it's just mgh = 0.5mv^2.

So the final velocity must be different.

Aside: In both cases we're ignoring energy losses to friction but there must be some friction in the case of the ball that's rolling or it wouldn't start rotating.
 
  • #8
In the case of the rolling (without sliding) ball, friction doesn't do work and there arent energy loses. The pseudo-work of friction (equal to Friction X length of ramp) equals the final rotational kinetic energy of the ball.
 
  • #9
CWatters said:
Correct.

Whereas for a block or ball sliding down a frictionless inclined surface it's just mgh = 0.5mv^2.

So the final velocity must be different.

Aside: In both cases we're ignoring energy losses to friction but there must be some friction in the case of the ball that's rolling or it wouldn't start rotating.

That component of friction is accounted for. Hence the 0.5 I ω2 term. Rolling resistance, if any, is not accounted for.
 
  • #10
Yes sorry. It was the rolling resistance I meant was being ignored.
 
  • #11
I think the OP is asking whether an additional component of motion in the plane of the ramp (at right angles to both "downslope" and "normal") would change the time it takes for the ball to reach the bottom.
 

1. How does the angle of the ramp affect the time it takes for a ball to roll down?

The angle of the ramp does affect the time it takes for a ball to roll down. The steeper the angle, the faster the ball will roll. This is due to the force of gravity pulling the ball down at a greater rate. As the angle decreases, the time it takes for the ball to roll down also increases.

2. Does the material of the ramp impact the time difference for a ball to roll down?

Yes, the material of the ramp can impact the time difference for a ball to roll down. A smoother material, such as a metal ramp, will provide less friction and allow the ball to roll faster. Rougher materials, such as sandpaper, will create more friction and slow down the ball's descent.

3. How does the mass of the ball affect the time difference for it to roll down a ramp?

The mass of the ball does not have a significant impact on the time difference for it to roll down a ramp. As long as the mass is consistent, the gravitational force will act on the ball at the same rate, regardless of its mass. However, a heavier ball may have more momentum and continue to roll for a longer distance after reaching the bottom of the ramp.

4. Is there a specific formula to calculate the time difference for a ball to roll down a ramp?

Yes, there is a formula that can be used to calculate the time difference for a ball to roll down a ramp. It is t = √(2h/g), where t is the time in seconds, h is the height of the ramp in meters, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). Keep in mind that this formula assumes a frictionless surface and a ball starting from rest at the top of the ramp.

5. How does air resistance affect the time difference for a ball to roll down a ramp?

Air resistance can have a small impact on the time difference for a ball to roll down a ramp. If the ball is rolling at high speeds, the air resistance may slightly slow it down, causing a slightly longer time difference. However, for most experiments with a ramp and a small ball, the effect of air resistance can be considered negligible.

Similar threads

  • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
981
  • Mechanics
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • Mechanics
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
5K
Back
Top