Is the Motion of a Rubber Ball in a Concave Surface Simple Harmonic Motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the motion of a rubber ball placed in a concave surface, specifically investigating whether the motion can be classified as simple harmonic motion (SHM). The original poster describes a scenario involving a concave surface with a rubber ball and analyzes the forces and torques acting on the ball when it is displaced from its equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the equation of motion for the ball, questioning their application of torque equations and seeking validation of their reasoning. Other participants question the implications of energy dissipation and its relation to SHM, while also clarifying the role of friction in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the conditions for SHM and the role of friction. There is no explicit consensus on whether the motion qualifies as SHM, and participants are engaging in clarifying statements and questioning assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that this is a self-generated question, indicating a lack of reference material for validation. There is also mention of the poster's uncertainty regarding their understanding of rotational dynamics.

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Homework Statement



lets have a look on scene;
there is a concave of radius R.(like concave lens) there is a rubber ball of radius r(r<<R). It is placed in equilibrium position in the concave. Now it is displaced by small distance along concave and released,friction is sufficient enough for pure rolling of ball. What kind of motion will it did.

Homework Equations



all equations i know.

The Attempt at a Solution



let me say it's acceleration at any instant is a.net frictional force acting on the ball is f.
so our equation of motion comes out to be.
ma=mg*sin(θ)-f (here θ is the angle made by the center on the concave with line joining it with equilibrium position)
θ is too small so we can write sin(θ)=~θ
equation changes to
a=gθ-f/m
since it is pure rolling angular acceleration(α) = linear acceleration(a)/radius of ball(r)
so α=a/r
torque(T)=2/5mr2*α=2/5mr2a/r (taking around center of ball)
T=(frictional force)fr=2/5mr2a/r
from here we got the frictional=(2/5)ma
putting these values in first equation which was a=gθ-f/m
we got a+2/5a=gθ
simplifying it
a=5/7g θ
a=Ar=5/7gθ (A is angular acceleration with center of concave body with line joining it with mean position line)
A=5/7gθ/r
A directly proportional to θ.
hence this is equation of angular SHM.
this is my self generated question so can't tell what is it's answer in book. So it's u who will tell me either this answer is correct or incorrect?
Have i did any mistake in applying Torque equations?(i am not good in rotational dynamics)
If i am wrong somewhere then please tell me.I will thankful to u.
thanks!
 
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All that the fiction accomplishes is that it causes the ball to roll, apparently without slipping. This will not dissipate any energy.
 
SammyS said:
All that the fiction accomplishes is that it causes the ball to roll, apparently without slipping. This will not dissipate any energy.

If anything doesn't dissipate energy does it mean that it is SHM. I think no. You need to prove it to confirm.
 
vkash said:
If anything doesn't dissipate energy does it mean that it is SHM. I think no. You need to prove it to confirm.

I was merely making a statement to clarify the role of friction in this situation.

I have not stated that it is SHM, nor have I stated that it's not SHM.

However, I will say here, that most small oscillation problems, like this one, are SHM.
 

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