Compare Velocity of Center of Mass - Two Hollow Cylinders

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around comparing the final velocities of the center of mass for two hollow cylinders, one rolling and one sliding down an incline. The initial approach using conservation of energy suggested that the final velocity is independent of mass, yielding a ratio of 1. However, the correct analysis indicates that cylinder A, which rolls without slipping, maintains a final velocity of v=sqrt(gh), while cylinder B, which slides on a frictionless surface, has a final velocity of v=sqrt(2gh). This leads to a ratio of 1/sqrt(2), correcting the initial assumption. The importance of accounting for friction and the nature of motion (rolling vs. sliding) is emphasized in determining the final velocities.
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Homework Statement


attachment.php?attachmentid=59497&stc=1&d=1371091306.png

Homework Equations


mgh=\frac{1}{2}mv^2+\frac{1}{2}Iω^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I used conservation of energy, and found that the final velocity of the center of mass is independent of the object's mass, so in both cases: v=\sqrt{gh}. Therefore, the ratio is 1.

However, the answer is 0.5. I think I need to take into account the friction force, but I'm not sure how to proceed, the question does not give me the static friction coefficient.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
LovePhys
 

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Cylinder A rolls, it does not slip. Where can gravitational PE end up? (Hint: rolling implies rotation...)
 
@gneill

Thank you. I came up with a different answer now, but it is not 0.5

For cylinder A, the final velocity of the center of mass is still v=\sqrt{gh}
For cylinder B, I think that since the surface is frictionless, and all the forces that are acting on it (gravity and normal force from the incline) are going through the center of mass, so the net torque is 0 and it will not roll but slide. So using conservation of energy:

mgh=\frac{1}{2}mv^2 and v=\sqrt{2gh}

So the ratio is \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you.
 
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