Non-harmonic oscillatory motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a problem involving a solid sphere rolling without slipping in a cylindrical trough, aiming to demonstrate that it undergoes simple harmonic motion for small displacements. The user has approached the problem using energy methods, considering both kinetic and potential energy, and has derived expressions for the kinetic energy of the sphere. To progress, it is suggested that the user needs to incorporate potential energy into their calculations and formulate the Lagrangian to derive the equations of motion. The potential energy is approximated for small angles, leading to a harmonic variation that reveals the period of oscillation. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of energy conservation and small angle approximations in solving the problem.
Nitrus
I've got a test coming up with a problem similar to this one, I've figured out some of it but I am kinda lost on the rest, here it goes:
A solid sphere (radius = R) rolls without slipping in a cylindrical trough (radius = 5R). Show that, for small displacements from equilibrium perpendicular to the length of the trough, the sphere executes simple harmonic motion with a period T=2pi (28R/5g)^1/2.

Work:
I decided on taking an energy approach to this problem, and by doing so I must look at the KE of both the sphere and the effect the trough has on it.
<br /> v= \frac {ds} {dt} = 4R \frac {d\theta} {dt}<br />
<br /> V=\frac {ds}{dt} = R\Omega<br />
<p>
<br /> \Omega =\frac {V} {R} = 4 \frac {d\theta} {dt}<br />
with that we have the following (also including moment of intertia for the sphere)
<br /> K = \frac {1} {2} 4R {\frac {d\theta}{dt}}^2 + \frac {1} {2}(\frac{2} {5} mR^2)(4{\frac {d\theta}{dt}}^2))<br />
the trough is a half circle by the way...
that all simplifies to
<br /> ((\frac {d\theta}{dt}))^2 \frac {56mR^2}{5}<br />
so now i have the energy of the system, what should i do next?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't know if you want your expression for kinetic energy checked (I didn't), but I can tell you that if you want to use an energy-based approach to this problem, you will also need an expression for the potential energy of the system. You can then write the Lagrangian and write out the equation of motion of the system. The period of oscillation will fall out of a small angle approximation of the equation of motion.
 
Add the potential energy, which I believe is
4mgR(1-\cos\theta)\approx 2mgR\theta^2, note that energy is conserved, try harmonic variation for \theta, and you'll find your answer.
 
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 .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top