Gravity's Effect On A Bowling Ball In A Level Alley

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether Earth's gravity does any work on a bowling ball as it rolls down a level alley. Participants are exploring the implications of gravity in this context and the definition of work in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the definition of work and how the direction of gravitational force relates to the displacement of the bowling ball. There are inquiries about the role of gravity when the surface is level and whether it contributes to work done on the ball.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants raising fundamental questions about the nature of work and gravity. Some have provided thoughts that prompt further exploration, while others are seeking clarification on the original poster's understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a repeated emphasis on the relationship between gravity and the bowling ball's motion, with some participants suggesting that the original poster clarify their understanding of gravity's role in this scenario.

aerogurl2
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I need some help on a question: When a bowling ball rolls down a level alley, does Earth's gravity do any work on the ball? Explain with the use of a diagram.

I need help b/c I don't know if the Earth's gravity will effect the ball since the alley is not tilted.

Thanks.=)
 
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What's the definition of work? How does the direction of the force (gravity) compare to the direction of the displacement? And how does that matter?
 
aerogurl2 said:
I need some help on a question: When a bowling ball rolls down a level alley, does Earth's gravity do any work on the ball? Explain with the use of a diagram.

I need help b/c I don't know if the Earth's gravity will effect the ball since the alley is not tilted.

Thanks.=)

without gravity where would you be standing right now? the same applies to the bowling ball
 
rctrackstar2007 said:
without gravity where would you be standing right now? the same applies to the bowling ball

Yes, but is the force of gravity doing work by 'holding' you to the surface of the earth? (This is a question to the OP btw, we should let them answer).

~H
 

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