Analyzing Forces in Circular Motion: Ramp and Ball System

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The discussion centers on calculating the forces acting on a ball rolling down a frictionless quarter-circle ramp. Participants emphasize the importance of applying Newton's Laws and energy conservation principles, specifically gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy, to analyze the motion. There is clarification on the distinction between centripetal force and gravitational force, noting that centripetal force is not an applied force but a component of the resultant force. The need for a clear attempt at a solution is highlighted, encouraging participants to articulate their reasoning for better assistance. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately determining the forces exerted by the ramp on the ball and vice versa.
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Homework Statement



A ball rolls down a ramp which forms a quarter circle of radius 0.5m. The ball weighs 25g. The bottom of the ramp is 1.5m above the floor. Assume no friction between the ball and the ramp. Assume no air resistance.

  • what is the force exerted by the ramp on the ball?
  • whatis the force exerted by the ball on the ramp?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Welcome to the forum. Forum rules require you to make an attempt at a solution. That's why there is a part 2 and 3 on the template. Doesn't matter if you get stuck just give it a go first.
 
I used Fnet = Fcircular+ Fg
 
tbear said:
I used Fnet = Fcircular+ Fg
That force, in which body is acting? Are they components or your equatin is a vector equation. Try to explain your approach in words so we can help you.
 
tbear said:

Homework Statement



A ball rolls down a ramp which forms a quarter circle of radius 0.5m. The ball weighs 25g. The bottom of the ramp is 1.5m above the floor. Assume no friction between the ball and the ramp. Assume no air resistance.

  • what is the force exerted by the ramp on the ball?
  • whatis the force exerted by the ball on the ramp?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Where is your attempted solution?
I would be considering Gravitational Potential Energy (mgh). Kinetic Energy (1/2.m.v^2) and Centripetal Force (m.v^2 / R) at various places along the ramp.
Newton's Laws - especially the 3rd - could be useful at times too.
 
tbear said:
I used Fnet = Fcircular+ Fg
What do you mean by Fcircular? If you mean centripetal force, that is not an applied force. It is the radial component of the resultant force, i.e. the component of the resultant force that is normal to the velocity. So you would not add it to Fg.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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