Did I Calculate the Velocity of a Cylinder Correctly Using Energy?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity of a cylinder using energy principles, specifically focusing on the relationship between gravitational potential energy, translational kinetic energy, and rotational kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy conservation principles, questioning the correctness of the equations used and the relationships between translational and rotational speeds. There are mentions of potential sign errors in the energy equations and suggestions to reframe the problem in terms of total energy at different points.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on identifying potential errors in the original poster's approach. There is an acknowledgment of a specific error related to the treatment of energy loss versus gain, and a method has been suggested for clearer understanding. The discussion appears to be progressing towards clarification without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available and the methods that can be discussed. The original poster's calculations are noted to be incorrect according to an answer key, prompting the discussion.

jisbon
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Homework Statement
Cylinder with mass 1.5kg and 0.1m radius roll without slipping up a slope of length 3m and height 1m. Cylinder has an initial translational velocity of 4m/s. Calculate velocity of the cylinder as it leaves the top of the slope.
Relevant Equations
Gain in GPE = Loss in translational KE + loss in rotational KE
I seem to be able to do this problem (at least from what I think, but my answer is still wrong according to the answer key, please do help check.)

Since:
Gain in GPE = Loss in translational KE + loss in rotational KE
##\left(m\cdot g\cdot h\right)=\left(\frac{1}{2}\left(m\right)\left(v_{f}^2\right)-\frac{1}{2}\left(m\right)\left(v_{i}^2\right)\right)+ \left(\frac{1}{2}\left(I\right)\left(\omega_{f}^2\right)-\frac{1}{2}\left(I\right)\left(\omega_{i}^2\right)\right)##
Whereby
##I = 0.5 (mr^2) = 0.5 (1.5*0.1^2)##
##\omega = v/r = 4/0.1##

##\left(1.5\cdot 9.8\cdot 1\right)=\left(\frac{1}{2}\left(1.5\right)\left(v_{f}^2\right)-\frac{1}{2}\left(1.5\right)\left(4^2\right)\right)+\left(\left(\frac{1}{2}\left(0.5\cdot \:1.5\cdot \:0.1^2\right)\left(\frac{v_{f}}{0.1}\right)^2\right)\:-\:\left(\frac{1}{2}\left(0.5\cdot 1.5\cdot 0.1^2\right)\left(\frac{4}{0.1}\right)^2\right)\right)##

Are the equations correct/did I miss something out? Thanks
 
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Since it does not slip, what happens to rotational speed in relation to translational speed? Ok, i think you took care of that. I'm on my phone so it's hard to read all of the symbols.
 
I think I see it now. You really have what appears to be just an error of swapping the signs. Try writing it like this: (Total energy at beginning) = (Total energy at top) to see how that works, and if you spot the error.
 
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scottdave said:
I think I see it now. You really have what appears to be just an error of swapping the signs. Try writing it like this: (Total energy at beginning) = (Total energy at top) to see how that works, and if you spot the error.
Solved the error. Thanks for your help. Will use your method in the future
 
jisbon said:
Solved the error. Thanks for your help. Will use your method in the future
Either method is fine. The problem was that your reference equation was in terms of loss of energy, but you turned that into final - initial, which would be a gain in energy.
It is generally safer to record reference equations in terms of gain.
 

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