How Do You Calculate the Translational Velocity of a Ball on an Incline?

[blink1987]

Translational velocity help!

Homework Statement

A ball is on an incline with µ = 30±. Its initial height is 1.5 m. When
it reached the bottom of the incline, what is the ball’s translational (linear)
velocity? [Use conservation of energy to solve.]

Homework Equations

r= s\vartheta

The Attempt at a Solution

r= (1.5)sin(30)

I am confused with this problem because a radius was not given and I am not sure if I started it right...

 

[whybother]

I think you aren't going about the problem the way your teacher intended - Go with the hint, to use conservation of energy.

At the top of the ramp, the ball is not moving, so all the energy is in the form of potential energy. At the bottom of the ramp, all of the energy is now in kinetic energy. Your relevant equations should be the form of potential and kinetic energy knowing that Initial Energy = Final Energy here. They specify linear velocity too, to let you know that basically the rotation of the ball is to be ignored (ie. you don't really need to concern yourself with the radius).