Is My Calculation of a Rolling Steel Hoop's Acceleration Correct?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of a rolling steel hoop's acceleration, specifically addressing the distinction between the acceleration of the center of mass (COM) and the angular acceleration. The participant correctly identifies the component of gravitational force down the ramp as mgsinθ, leading to a COM acceleration of 5 m/s² when g is taken as 10. However, the discussion emphasizes the importance of incorporating friction into the equations of motion for both translation and rotation to accurately determine the hoop's behavior when rolling without slipping.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and angular acceleration
  • Knowledge of the relationship between linear and angular motion, specifically a = Rα
  • Concept of friction in rolling motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear acceleration and angular acceleration in rolling objects
  • Explore the role of friction in rolling without slipping scenarios
  • Investigate the derivation of the equation a = Rα for different shapes
  • Learn about the effects of varying angles (θ) on the acceleration of rolling objects
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of rolling motion and the interplay between linear and angular accelerations.

dyn
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Homework Statement
Hi.
Question concerns a steel hoop of mass 5kg rolling without slipping down a ramp inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal. What is it's acceleration ?
Relevant Equations
F=ma and resolving component of weight parallel to ramp
I already have the answer but it doesn't make sense. For starters I think the question is worded badly. I think there are 2 different accelerations here ? The acceleration of the centre of mass and the acceleration due to rotation. I think the acceleration due to rotation doesn't affect the acceleration of the centre of mass so I resolved the component of the weight down the ramp which is mgsinθ ; taking g as 10 gives this as 25 and using F=ma gives the acceleration of the COM as 5 m/s^2
Is my reasoning incorrect ?
Thanks
 
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In case of rolling without slipping, there is a relation between the acceleration of the centre of mass, and angular acceleration which reads ##a = R\alpha##. Where ##R## is radius of the hoop. This relation is derived from looking at the point where hoop is touching the ground while rolling. If there is no slipping, that point should be at rest relative to the surface on which the hoop is moving, hence the acceleration that is coming from rotation and translation should cancel at that point.

As for your reasoning, the reason why the hoop is not slipping is because you have friction with the surface it is rolling on, so therefore, you need to add friction into the Newton law for translation, as well as rotation, in order to get the correct answer.
 
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