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

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total energy of a solid sphere rolling without slipping on a horizontal surface and then ascending an incline. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically energy conservation and the dynamics of rolling motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks guidance on which equations to use for calculating total energy and expresses uncertainty about the necessary information. Some participants provide equations related to kinetic and potential energy, while others suggest considering the relationship between linear and rotational motion.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing relevant equations and concepts, with some providing hints and prompting the original poster to think about energy conservation and the definitions of kinetic and potential energy. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the discussion is progressing with useful insights being shared.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has not provided specific equations or methods, indicating a potential gap in understanding the problem setup. The discussion is framed within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration.

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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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You can't find ANY equations?
 
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]
 
You will need one more equation to solve this.

[tex]v=\omega r[/tex]
 
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)?
 

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