Acceleration of a Rotational Sphere on an Inclined Plane

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a solid sphere rolling down an inclined plane, focusing on the dynamics of its motion, including the effects of static friction and rotational acceleration. Participants are exploring the relationship between linear and rotational motion in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the equation for the acceleration of the sphere's center of mass, using equations related to forces and torque. Some participants question the role of static friction and its maximum value in the context of the problem. Others express confusion regarding the inclusion of terms like (2/5) and the distinction between static and kinetic friction.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing their thought processes and attempts at solving the problem. Some have identified potential misunderstandings regarding the application of static friction and the relationship between linear and rotational motion. There is recognition of the need to clarify the question's requirements, particularly concerning the acceleration of the center of mass.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves specific assumptions, such as the sphere rolling without slipping and the static friction being at its maximum value. There is also mention of the potential confusion arising from the distinction between static and kinetic friction in the context of the equations derived.

einstein18
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Ok, I am trying to understand this problem on my practice exam and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

Homework Statement


A solid sphere of mass M and radius R is released from rest on an inclined plane with an angle of θ. The coefficient of static friction for the sphere on the plane is μs. Assuming that the sphere rolls without slipping down the plane and that the static frictional force is at its maximum value, which of the following is the correct equation for the acceleration of the center of mass of the sphere?

Homework Equations


Since it is static friction and the sphere doesn't slip:
X-axis: Mgsinθ = Fstatic
Y-axis: Mgcosθ = N
Torque: Fstatic*R = I*alpha
alpha = a/R
I of solid sphere = (2/5)MR^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Simplifying the torque equation and making substituitions:
a = Fstatic*R^2 / I -> a = (μMgcosθ)R^2 / (2/5)MR^2 ->

a = μgcosθ/(2/5)

However, the answer is: a = gsinθ - μgcosθ

I see where the gsinθ comes from but I don't understand why its there if μ is static.
Also the thing that is confusing me the most, where does (2/5) go?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I just realized that if I solve for the X-axis equation i get the answer:

mgsinθ - f = ma
a = gsinθ - μgcosθ

But this is only true if the friction were kinetic. Also where does the rotational aceleration go?
 
Oh! The question asks for the equation of the acceleration of the center of mass of the sphere. Doh. I can't believe i just spent the past hour trying to figure this out...
 
Einstein eh :P
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
Replies
43
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K