Conservation Laws in Rotational Motion Physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rotational kinetic energy, total kinetic energy, and angular momentum of a uniform solid sphere with a diameter of 28 cm and mass of 2.5 kg, rolling at a constant speed of 2.0 m/s. The correct formulas used include KE = 1/2 Iω² for rotational kinetic energy, KE = 1/2 Mv² + 1/2 Iω² for total kinetic energy, and L = Iω for angular momentum. The final calculations yield rotational kinetic energy of 2.0 J, total kinetic energy of 7.0 J, and angular momentum of 4.0 kg·m²/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational motion concepts
  • Familiarity with the moment of inertia for a solid sphere
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to linear velocity
  • Proficiency in using SI units for mass and distance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the moment of inertia for various shapes, focusing on solid spheres
  • Learn about the relationship between linear and angular motion, specifically the conversion between linear velocity and angular velocity
  • Explore the principles of conservation of energy in rotational motion
  • Investigate the effects of friction on rolling motion and energy loss
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and tutors looking to enhance their understanding of rotational motion and energy conservation principles.

Lma12684
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Homework Statement


A uniform solid sphere, with diameter 28 cm and mass 2.5 kg, rolls without slipping on a horizontal surface, at constant speed of 2.0 m/s.
1) What is the rotational kinetic energy?
2) What is its total kinetic energy?
3) What is its angular momentum?


Homework Equations



1) KE=1/2 Iw^2
2) KE=1/2 Mv(cm) + 1/2*I(cm)*w^2
3) L=Iw



The Attempt at a Solution



1) KE=1/2(2/5MR^2)(v/r)
=1/2(19.6)(.14)
=1.372

2) KE=1/2 (2.5)(2.0)+ 1/2 (19.6)*(.14^2)
=2.69

3) L=(19.6)(.14)
=2.744

Does this solution look good? Thanks.
 
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KE_{linear} = \frac{1}{2} m v^{2}_{cm}
 
Did I forget the square on #2? Is that what you are saying? Thanks.
 
Hi Lma12684,

Two things about 1): You did not square the (v/r) term; also, since you don't have units, I'm assuming that you want them in SI units. However, 19.6 is not correct for the moment of inertia. It's probably better to convert the radius to meters before you enter it in your calculator; or, if you wait until the end remember that there are two factor of centimeters in I, and you have to convert both of them to meters.
 
Ok, I recalculated and found:

1) 2 J
2) 4.99 J
3) 3.99 J
 
The first one looks right to me, but not the answers for #2 and #3. It's difficult to tell, though, since you haven't posted the numbers you used.

For #2, was the 4.99 J for the total energy, or did you actually just calculate the translational kinetic energy? It looks like you may not have added the rotational KE to the translational KE.

For #3, it won't have units of Joules. Also, did you perhaps (incorrectly) square the omega term?
 
Here is what I did:

2) KE=1/2MV(cm) + 1/2 I(cm)w^2
=1/2(2.5)(2.0) + 1/2(.0196)(204.08)
=4.99 J

3) L=Iw
=(.0196)(204.08)
=3.99 J
 
Lma12684 said:
Here is what I did:

2) KE=1/2MV(cm) + 1/2 I(cm)w^2
=1/2(2.5)(2.0) + 1/2(.0196)(204.08)
=4.99 J

3) L=Iw
=(.0196)(204.08)
=3.99 J

In #2, you did not square the 2.0 for the speed in the translational kinetic energy.

In #3, you can see from #2 that 204.08 is w^2, but here you need w.
 
Thank You Again!
 
  • #10
Since it is a sphere then the moment of inertia is

I = 2/5mr^2

so the equations I used for a,b, and c are:

a) KE = (1/2)(2/5mr^2)(v^2/r^2) = 2.0J
b) KE = 1/2mv^2 + 1/2Iw^2 = 5.0J + 2.0J = 7.0J
c) L = Iw = 4.0 kg*m^2/s

I think this is right, what do you think?

also, w^2 = (v^2/r^2) so the radius cancels out and I didn't have to use r = 0.14 m
 

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