How Do You Calculate the Total Energy of a Rolling Sphere?

In summary, the problem involves a solid sphere of mass 0.599 kg rolling without slipping on a horizontal surface at a speed of 5.31 m/s. It then encounters an incline with an angle of 33°. The total energy of the sphere is equal to the sum of its kinetic and rotational energies, which can be calculated using the equations K=1/2mv^2 and T=1/2Iω^2, respectively. The moment of inertia for a solid sphere is given by I=2/5mr^2. To calculate the potential energy, we use the equation U=mgh, where h is the vertical height above the horizontal surface. Since there are no energy losses due to friction,
  • #1
Jtappan
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0

Homework Statement



A solid sphere of mass 0.599 kg rolls without slipping along a horizontal surface with a translational speed of 5.31 m/s. It comes to an incline that makes an angle of 33° with the horizontal surface. Neglect energy losses due to friction.


(a) What is the total energy of the rolling sphere?
________ J
(b) To what vertical height above the horizontal surface does the sphere rise on the incline?
________ m


Homework Equations



?

The Attempt at a Solution



What equations would I use for this problem? any other information would be great thanks!
 
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  • #2
You can't find ANY equations?
 
  • #3
Kinetic energy is given by [tex]K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2[/tex]

Rotational energy is given by [tex]T=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2[/tex]

The moment of intertia for a solid sphere is given by [tex]I=\frac{2}{5}mr^2[/tex]

Potential energy is given by [tex]U=mgh[/tex]
 
  • #4
You will need one more equation to solve this.

[tex]v=\omega r[/tex]
 
  • #5
Some hints from a fellow learner:

- How do you calculate linear (aka translational) movement energy for a body?
- What is the difference between kinetic and potential energies and how do you calculate them?
- Is energy conserved, if there is no friction or drag (aka energy losses)?
 

1. What is the energy of a rolling object?

The energy of a rolling object is called kinetic energy, which is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

2. How is the energy of a rolling object calculated?

The kinetic energy of a rolling object can be calculated using the equation: KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

3. Does the size of a rolling object affect its energy?

Yes, the mass of a rolling object affects its energy. A larger object has more mass and therefore more energy compared to a smaller object with the same velocity.

4. Is the energy of a rolling object the same as its potential energy?

No, the energy of a rolling object is different from its potential energy. Potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state, while kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion.

5. Can the energy of a rolling object be changed?

Yes, the energy of a rolling object can be changed by altering its mass or velocity. For example, increasing the speed of a rolling object will increase its kinetic energy, while decreasing its mass will decrease its kinetic energy.

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