Rotational and potential energy problem - Mastering physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the horizontal distance x a ball travels after rolling down a curved track and falling a vertical distance y. The user correctly derived the ball's velocity at the bottom of the ramp and the time taken to fall y, but encountered an issue with the final expression for x, which was flagged by Mastering Physics for an incorrect numerical multiplier. The calculations involved potential and kinetic energy equations, as well as the moment of inertia for a sphere. The user is seeking clarification on where they might have gone wrong in their calculations or if they missed a crucial detail. The thread emphasizes the importance of correctly applying energy conservation principles and ensuring all factors are accounted for in the final formula.
Kamkazemoose
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Homework Statement



"In a lab experiment you let a uniform ball roll down a curved track. The ball starts from rest and rolls without slipping. While on the track, the ball descends a vertical distance h. The lower end of the track is horizontal and extends over the edge of the lab table; the ball leaves the track traveling horizontally. While free falling after leaving the track, the ball moves a horizontal distance x and a vertical distance y."

"Calculate x in terms of h and y, ignoring the work done by friction."

h - height of ramp ball rolls down
y- height of track above ground
x - horizontal distance ball travels while falling
g - acceleration due to gravity
m - mass of ball
r - radius of ball

Homework Equations



m*g*h = 1/2*m*v^2+1/2*I*(omega)^2 (potential energy equal to kinetic energy and rotational energy)
I= 2/5*m*r^2 (moment of inertia for a sphere)
(omega)=v/r
x = x_0+v_0*t+1/2*a*t^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I solved for the velocity of the ball at the bottom of the ramp, mass and radius cancels out and got gh=6/10*v^2, so v=sqrt(10/6*gh). Then I tried to find the time it would take for the ball to fall y and got y=1/2gt^2 as there was no initial vertical velocity. So, i got t=sqrt((2y)/g). I then multiplied the velocity by the time because there should be no horizontal acceleration, and I got x = sqrt(6/10*gh)*sqrt((2y)/g) and mastering physics said "Your answer either contains an incorrect numerical multiplier or is missing one." so, I'm not sure what I should do, where I went wrong or whatever, so if anyone has any help, it would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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Kamkazemoose said:

Homework Statement



"In a lab experiment you let a uniform ball roll down a curved track. The ball starts from rest and rolls without slipping. While on the track, the ball descends a vertical distance h. The lower end of the track is horizontal and extends over the edge of the lab table; the ball leaves the track traveling horizontally. While free falling after leaving the track, the ball moves a horizontal distance x and a vertical distance y."

"Calculate x in terms of h and y, ignoring the work done by friction."

h - height of ramp ball rolls down
y- height of track above ground
x - horizontal distance ball travels while falling
g - acceleration due to gravity
m - mass of ball
r - radius of ball

Homework Equations



m*g*h = 1/2*m*v^2+1/2*I*(omega)^2 (potential energy equal to kinetic energy and rotational energy)
I= 2/5*m*r^2 (moment of inertia for a sphere)
(omega)=v/r
x = x_0+v_0*t+1/2*a*t^2


The Attempt at a Solution



I solved for the velocity of the ball at the bottom of the ramp, mass and radius cancels out and got gh=6/10*v^2, so v=sqrt(10/6*gh). Then I tried to find the time it would take for the ball to fall y and got y=1/2gt^2 as there was no initial vertical velocity. So, i got t=sqrt((2y)/g). I then multiplied the velocity by the time because there should be no horizontal acceleration, and I got x = sqrt(6/10*gh)*sqrt((2y)/g) and mastering physics said "Your answer either contains an incorrect numerical multiplier or is missing one." so, I'm not sure what I should do, where I went wrong or whatever, so if anyone has any help, it would be appreciated, thanks.

2E = 2m\vec{g}\vec{h} = m\vec{v}^2 + I\vec{\omega}^2 \left(=\frac{I\vec{v}^2}{\vec{r}^2}\right) = m\vec{v}^2 + I\vec{\omega}^2 + 2mgy. Check this out. :)
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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