Hollow sphere rolling down a slope

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a hollow spherical shell rolling down a slope, with specific parameters including mass and angle. The original poster seeks to determine the acceleration, friction force, and minimum coefficient of friction to prevent slipping.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to start due to the lack of a radius for calculating moment of inertia. They consider using energy conservation principles but are unsure of the next steps. Other participants suggest that the radius may not be necessary and encourage exploring the energy approach further, mentioning the relationship between linear and angular velocity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on potential approaches and confirming that the energy method could be valid. There is no explicit consensus, but there are indications of productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the absence of a radius, which may impact their calculations. The problem is framed within the context of homework constraints, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the concepts involved.

PirateFan308
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Homework Statement


A hollow, spherical shell with mass 2.50kg rolls without slipping down a slope angled at 35.0 degrees.
i) Find the acceleration
ii) Find the friction force
iii) Find the minimum coefficient of friction to prevent slipping


Homework Equations



[itex]F=ma[/itex]

[itex]I=\frac{2MR^2}{3}[/itex]

Energy must stay constant:
[itex]E_{p}+E_{kr}+E_{k} = E_{p}+E_{kr}+E_{k}[/itex]

[itex]mgh+\frac{1}{2}Iw^{2}+\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}=mgh+\frac{1}{2}Iw^{2}+\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I really have no idea where to start, because a radius is not given, so I cannot find the moment of inertia. I was thinking if I used the energies, and said that

[itex]mgh=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}+\frac{1}{2}Iw^{2}[/itex]

[itex]mgh=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}+\frac{1}{2}((\frac{2}{3}mR^2)w^{2}[/itex]

because we could use a pretend example, say that the sphere starts at rest at the top of the ramp, and in the end, all the energy is kinetic. But from here, I'm not really sure where to go. Thanks!
 
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Who knows, maybe it will turn out that the radius doesn't matter! If not, then an R in the answers will be expected. Go ahead and do it with an R and see. You will need v = r*ω, too.

You energy approach looks good. No doubt it could also be done with force, acceleration, etc.
 
Example.
http://www.feynmanlectures.info/solutions/roll_without_slipping_sol_1.pdf
 
I think I figured it out. Thanks!
 

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