Compare Velocity of Center of Mass - Two Hollow Cylinders

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on comparing the velocities of the center of mass for two hollow cylinders, A and B, under different conditions. Cylinder A rolls without slipping, resulting in a final velocity of the center of mass given by the equation v = √(gh). In contrast, cylinder B, which slides on a frictionless surface, has a final velocity of v = √(2gh). The ratio of their velocities is therefore 1/√2, not 0.5 as initially suggested. The analysis emphasizes the importance of considering friction and torque in determining the motion of the cylinders.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles in physics
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and the moment of inertia (I)
  • Knowledge of the equations of motion for rolling and sliding objects
  • Basic concepts of torque and its relation to angular acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of friction on rolling motion in physics
  • Learn about the moment of inertia for different shapes, specifically hollow cylinders
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular velocity in rolling objects
  • Investigate the effects of net torque on the motion of rigid bodies
USEFUL FOR

Students studying classical mechanics, particularly those focusing on rotational motion and energy conservation principles. This discussion is beneficial for physics learners seeking to deepen their understanding of motion dynamics in rolling and sliding contexts.

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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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