Calculate Average Acceleration of Non-Uniform Cylinder Down Inclined Plane

[Qwertyuiop123]

Homework Statement

Calculate the average acceleration of a non-uniform cylinder (large can of tomato soup) down an inclined plane.

Homework Equations

What equation should I use?

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the equation I should use is d=vt+0.5at^2, but I am not sure. If I use that equation, is there anything I have to assume?

 

[Poop-Loops]

I don't think you can use that equation. You'd have to know the distance and the initial velocity. Well, really, you could assume the distance to be anything and velocity to be 0 at start, but you'd have to know how long it took you to travel that distance.

So no, it won't work.

Is that honestly the entire question? If it is, then I can help a bit. What is the normal acceleration of just dropping something? Now, when you put it on an incline, it slows down, right? As in, it will still go down, but not as fast.

And if you put it on a flat surface, it won't fall at all. Okay, so at 90º it's full acceleration, and at 0º it's 0. Do you know of any function that works like that?

 

[Moetasim]

The equation you have suggested, d=vt+0.5at^2, is the equation for displacement, not acceleration. To calculate the average acceleration of the non-uniform cylinder down the inclined plane, you will need to use the equation a=(vf-vi)/t, where a is the average acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

In order to use this equation, you will need to measure the final and initial velocities of the cylinder as it moves down the inclined plane, and also measure the time it takes for the cylinder to reach the bottom of the plane. However, since the cylinder is non-uniform, its velocity and acceleration may not be constant throughout its motion. In this case, you will need to use calculus to find the average acceleration by taking the derivative of the velocity function with respect to time.

Additionally, you may need to make some assumptions about the properties of the cylinder, such as its mass, shape, and surface friction, in order to accurately calculate its acceleration. It is important to consider these factors in your calculations to ensure a more precise result.