Is It Possible for a Cylinder to Roll Freely Without Slipping?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of a cylinder rolling on a horizontal surface, specifically examining the conditions under which it can roll without slipping. Participants explore the implications of friction and the relationship between translational and rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessity of friction for rolling without slipping and question whether slipping can occur simultaneously with rolling. They also consider the implications of a constant speed on the net force and friction acting on the cylinder.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the role of friction and the conditions for rolling without slipping. Some participants suggest that if the cylinder is rolling at constant speed, the friction force may be zero, leading to further questioning of the validity of certain statements presented in the original post.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing debate about the definitions and conditions of rolling motion, particularly in relation to the presence or absence of friction on a horizontal surface. Participants are also considering the implications of constant speed on the forces involved.

Soaring Crane
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A cylinder is observed to be rolling freely at a constant speed on a horizontal surface. Which of the following statements is true?

a.It is possible that the cylinder is both rolling and sliding at the same time, i.e. that v, the speed of the centerpoint, is not = to rw.

b.If the cylinder is rolling without slipping, there must be a non-zero friction force exerted by the surface.

c.It is not possible for the cylinder to roll unless friction is present.

d.Even if the surface has friction, the cylinder cannot roll without slipping.

e.If friction is present it is not possible for the motion to occur without loss of energy.

Would the answer be b.? For rolling without slipping, static friction must be present.

Thanks.
 
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Soaring Crane said:
For rolling without slipping, static friction must be present.
Careful. Note that the surface is horizontal.
 
Last edited:
If a block is accelerated on a surface with friction and then hits a frictionless surface, it will continue with its velocity forever. A wheel on a horizontal surface only needs friction to accelerate
 
On a horizontal surface, can't rolling without slipping occur with and without friction?

Also, is it possible, as in choice A, for slipping and rolling to occur simultaneously like driving across an icy road?
 
Soaring Crane said:
On a horizontal surface, can't rolling without slipping occur with and without friction?
If you mean "Can rolling without slipping occur even when the surfaces are frictionless?", then yes, if the angular and translational speeds comply with v = \omega r.

But even if the surfaces are not frictionless, what friction force is needed to maintain rolling without slipping on a horizontal surface?

Also, is it possible, as in choice A, for slipping and rolling to occur simultaneously like driving across an icy road?
Yes, rolling and slipping can certainly occur together. Nowhere does it say that the cylinder necessarily rolls without slipping.

Since the cylinder rolls at a constant speed, what can you say about the friction force that acts on it?
 
Isn't there a rolling friction? Shoudn't it be kinetic friction if the horizontal surface is not frictionless?
 
Let me rephrase my question: Since the cylinder, we are told, is moving at a constant speed, what must be the net force on it? Given this, what must be the friction force on it?
 
If there is constant speed, the acceleration is 0, so the net force must be 0 N?
 
Right. And since the cylinder is rolling freely (meaning: nothing is pushing or pulling it), what must be the friction force?
 
  • #10
The friction force would also be zero since it is the only other possible component in the horizontal direction? Does this mean that choices b-d are false?
 
  • #11
Soaring Crane said:
The friction force would also be zero since it is the only other possible component in the horizontal direction?
Right.
Does this mean that choices b-d are false?
Yes.
 

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