Rotational mechanics sphere collision problem

AI Thread Summary
A solid sphere of mass M and radius R is analyzed as it rolls over a step of height R/4, with the goal of determining the maximum velocity V at which it can do so without losing contact. The discussion emphasizes the importance of conservation of angular momentum and linear momentum during the collision, while noting that energy conservation is not applicable due to the nature of the collision. Participants clarify the need to relate centripetal acceleration to the forces acting on the sphere, specifically the weight and reaction force from the step. The conversation also highlights the confusion around the correct equations and assumptions, ultimately leading to a derived equation for the velocity. The thread concludes with a participant expressing satisfaction with the learning process despite initial misunderstandings.
shreyashebbar
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Homework Statement



Hello everyone,
Please help me with this problem, as I am getting stuck solving this problem.

A solid sphere of Mass M and Radius R rolling (pure) encounters a protrusion on the surface of height R/4. Its in the form of a step. What can be the maximum velocity V of sphere so that it doesn't leave contact from surface and final velocity?

Attached below is a figure:



Homework Equations


ζ=Iα
I=MR.R.2 / 5 for sphere
MV=P.dt where P is impulse

The Attempt at a Solution



Assume the impule duration is dt
Impulse force in in X and Y direction is X,Y

I used linear conservation equations.
Then conserve angular momentum about the corner point.
Also The torque about the same point which is only due to weight.
The normal force from ground and friction will be 0 just after it lifts off.
The velocity component would be perpendicular to line joining corner to center of sphere for it to not loose contact.
 
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hi shreyashebbar! welcome to pf! :smile:
shreyashebbar said:
… What can be the maximum velocity V of sphere so that it doesn't leave contact from surface and final velocity?

I used linear conservation equations.
Then conserve angular momentum about the corner point.
Also The torque about the same point which is only due to weight.
The normal force from ground and friction will be 0 just after it lifts off.
The velocity component would be perpendicular to line joining corner to center of sphere for it to not loose contact.

(your attachment has disappeared, it is https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47577&d=1337847790)

you need to find the centripetal acceleration

from that, find the reaction force (from the step) :wink:
 
Hi Well that's a hint I wrote the following equations.
X any Y are reaction forces on the sphere
and assuming the impulse for time delta T
Ac is centripetal acceleration
Vx1 and Vy1 are velocities just after the impact and the ball tries to lift off.

Let me know if my equations are right. An can make use of energy conservation:
Kinetic energy(Linear+Rotational) initially = Kinetic energy(Rotation about the corner + Velocity) + Potential energy for raising it till r/4?

Or do I use the torque equation which would be just because of the own weight?

Thanking you for all the help.
 

Attachments

shreyashebbar said:
… An can make use of energy conservation:
Kinetic energy(Linear+Rotational) initially = Kinetic energy(Rotation about the corner + Velocity) + Potential energy for raising it till r/4?

no!

this is a collision

energy is not usually conserved in collisions!

you can only use conservation of momentum and conservation of angular momentum

start again :smile:
 
Hi,
Well I have written down the 7 equations by conserving angular momentum about the corner of step and linear momentum along x and y axes just after the collision. Do let me know if it is correct :)
 

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(on second thoughts, we don't know the direction of the impulse, so conservation of linear momentum won't help :redface:)

i don't follow your conservation of angular momentum equation :confused:

you need the angular momentum before, and the angular momentum after

(and no force or torque: the weight, mg, is not impulsive, so it doesn't contribute in the infinitesimal time between "before" and "after")
 
Hi I messed up the previous solution I think.
Here are the new equations. Hope this one is the correct approach ... :x

If not correct kindly let me know how do I go about this.

Thanking you in anticipation
 

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fine down to v0 = 28/23 v1 :smile:

after that, I'm confused :confused:

what does "at" mean?

you simply need an equation relating the centripetal acceleration to the weight and the reaction force

(and remember you know what cosθ equals)
 
Hi,
At i have assumed as the tangential acceleration of the centre of sphere about P.
Is that assumption wrong as well?

Regards
 
  • #10
you don't need tangential acceleration, you're not interested in tangential motion
 
  • #11
oh, was such a silly mistake :(
Well i hope this one should be the right answer.. .
 

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Last edited:
  • #12
all looks fine now! :biggrin:
 
  • #13
:biggrin::smile:
Thank you so much for the replies and enjoyed the way I learned :)
 
  • #14
Shreyashebbar, please explain why you started a fresh thread for the same problem. Was the answer wrong previously?
I must say, I do not see any answers on this thread that look the same as what I get:
v2 = 5Rg cos θ / (2 + 5 cos θ)
 
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