Rotational Motion & Conservation of Angular Momentum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the principle of conservation of angular momentum in the context of a thin spherical shell that transitions from sliding to rolling on a rough horizontal surface after being struck by a cue. Participants explore the implications of external torques, particularly from friction, on angular momentum conservation during this transition.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant argues that the conservation of angular momentum is not valid in this scenario due to the presence of an external torque from friction acting on the shell.
  • Another participant questions the torque about the point of contact with the floor due to friction and states that angular momentum about the center of mass is not conserved.
  • A later reply suggests using conservation of angular momentum as indicated by the textbook, proposing to set the initial angular momentum equal to the final angular momentum when the sphere is rolling without slipping.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the validity of the conservation of angular momentum in this situation, with some asserting that external torques invalidate it, while others suggest it can still be applied under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific effects of friction and the conditions under which angular momentum may or may not be conserved, particularly when considering different points about which to take moments.

anigeo
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A thin spherical shell lying on a rough horizontal floor is hit by a cue in such a way that the line of action of force passes through the centre.so there is no torque and it moves with a linear velocity V and no angular velocity.the linear velo is to be founded when the shell starts purely rolling.
now the question goes whether the principal of conservation of angular momentum is valid here.i don't think so because an external torque due to friction will be acting on it.
[. The shell will move with a velocity nearly equal to v due to this motion a frictional force well act in the
background direction, for which after some time the shell attains a pure rolling. If we
consider moment about A(the point of contact with the floor), then it will be zero. Therefore, Net angular momentum
about A before pure rolling = net angular momentum after pure rolling.]
This is what my textbook says but it makes me wonder.
 
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anigeo said:
now the question goes whether the principal of conservation of angular momentum is valid here.i don't think so because an external torque due to friction will be acting on it.
Note that they are taking moments about a point of contact with the floor. What's the torque about that point due to friction?

The angular momentum about the center of mass is certainly not conserved.
 
Doc Al said:
Note that they are taking moments about a point of contact with the floor. What's the torque about that point due to friction?

The angular momentum about the center of mass is certainly not conserved.
so could u please give me some idea how should i try to solve it?
 
anigeo said:
so could u please give me some idea how should i try to solve it?
Well, how about using conservation of angular momentum, as suggested by your text?

Set the initial angular momentum (when the sphere is just translating at speed V) equal to the final angular momentum (when it's rolling without slipping).
 

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