Calculating Total Energy and Vertical Height of Rolling Sphere on Incline

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a solid sphere rolling on an incline, focusing on calculating its total energy and the vertical height it reaches. The problem involves concepts from mechanics, particularly energy conservation and the effects of incline angles on motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of total energy for a rolling sphere and question the relevance of the incline angle in this context. There are attempts to clarify whether the angle affects the total energy calculation and the height reached on the incline.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the necessity of the incline angle for different parts of the problem. Some express uncertainty about the role of friction and other forces, while others seek clarification on the implications of the angle for the vertical height calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the effects of neglecting energy losses due to friction and the assumptions made regarding the forces acting on the sphere as it rolls up the incline.

kbyws37
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
A solid sphere of mass 0.599 kg rolls without slipping along a horizontal surface with a translational speed of 5.07 m/s. It comes to an incline that makes an angle of 37.0° with the horizontal surface.

(a) What is the total energy of the rolling sphere? Neglect energy losses due to friction.
(b) To what vertical height above the horizontal surface does the sphere rise on the incline?


To find the total energy of a rolling sphere...
(1/2)mv^2 + (1/5)mv^2
but how would i incorporate 37 degrees?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
kbyws37 said:
but how would i incorporate 37 degrees?
Maybe you don't have to
 
It only makes a difference if you have to take friction into account.
 
You'll need the angle in (b).
 
radou said:
You'll need the angle in (b).
Can you convince me?
 
It is not necessary for the 'vertical' height. Unless you take into account other forces which makes it more complicated. But then, it does matter.
 
OlderDan said:
Can you convince me?

Actually, by thinking over, I can't. :smile:

Apologies, I hope I didn't cause confusion.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
4K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
5K
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K