An object on an inclined plane

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a homogenous thin cylinder placed on an inclined plane with a specified angle of elevation and coefficient of friction. Participants are discussing the relationship between the linear speed of the cylinder's center of mass and its angular velocity as it rolls down the incline.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have drawn free body diagrams and derived expressions for acceleration and linear velocity. There are questions about the derivation of these results and the relationship between translational and rotational motion. Some participants are exploring the implications of assuming pure rolling motion versus sliding.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions about friction and motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between linear and angular velocities, but there is no consensus on how to proceed with finding the angular velocity due to missing information.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding the radius of the cylinder, which is impacting the ability to calculate angular velocity. Participants are also considering the implications of static versus kinetic friction in their analysis.

funoras
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Homework Statement


A homogenous thin cylinder is put on an inclined plane (angle of elevation is α). The coefficient of friction is [tex]\mu[/tex] . What is the speed of the centre of the mass of the cylinder and it's angular velocity at distance l from the start of motion.


Homework Equations


[tex]F=ma[/tex]
[tex]I=mR^2/2[/tex]
[tex]v=at[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


I drew a free body diagram and found out that the acceleration is
[tex]a=g(sinα-\mu\cosα)[/tex] and found the velocity
[tex]v=\sqrt{2lg(sinα-\mu\cosα)}[/tex]

The problem is, i can't find the angular velocity in any way.
 
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I presume this is pure "rolling", no sliding, motion. In one complete rotation, then, the cylinder will have moved a distance equal to the circumference of the cylinder. Since you know the linear speed of the center axis, you know the time it will take the cylinder to move that far. The angular speed is [itex]2\pi[/itex] radians divide by that time.
 
funoras said:
I drew a free body diagram and found out that the acceleration is
[tex]a=g(sinα-\mu\cosα)[/tex]
How did you derive this result?
and found the velocity
[tex]v=\sqrt{2lg(sinα-\mu\cosα)}[/tex]
Same question here.

The problem is, i can't find the angular velocity in any way.
The translational and rotational velocities are related by the constraint that the cylinder rolls without slipping.
 
[tex]N=mgcos\alpha[/tex]
[tex]ma=mgsin\alpha-F[/tex]
[tex]F=\mu N[/tex]

and from here
[tex]a=g(sinα−μcosα)[/tex]
and the distance l is
[tex]l=at^2/2[/tex]
from here [tex]t=\sqrt{2l/a}[/tex]
and velocity is [tex]v=at=\sqrt{2lg(sinα−μcosα)}[/tex]

But that would mean the cylinder is sliding i guess. I'm completely lost now.
 
funoras said:
[tex]F=\mu N[/tex]
Do not assume this. F = μN would be the maximum possible value of static friction for the given surface; the actual friction needed to prevent slipping will be less. Just call the friction F and solve for it.

(Don't forget Newton's 2nd law for rotation.)
 
So
[tex]mg sin \alpha - F = ma[/tex]
[tex]FR=mR^2\beta/2[/tex]
[tex]a=\beta R[/tex]

and from here [tex]a=2gsin\alpha /3[/tex]

and i can find the translational velocity, but what about the angular velocity? it seems i will need the radius, which is not given
 
funoras said:
and i can find the translational velocity, but what about the angular velocity? it seems i will need the radius, which is not given
Yes, you are correct. It seems you do not have enough information to obtain the angular velocity.

(If this is a textbook problem, what book is it from?)
 
It's not a textbook problem. However, thanks a lot for your help ! :)
 

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