Kinetic Energy and Rolling motion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the kinetic energy of a rolling can and highlights the importance of using the correct moment of inertia (I) for different shapes. The formula K = 1/2 * I * (v/r)^2 is debated, with participants noting that for a hollow can, the moment of inertia must account for its geometry. Confusion arises from applying the wrong moment of inertia, leading to incorrect kinetic energy results. The total kinetic energy of a rolling object combines translational and rotational components, emphasizing the need for accurate calculations. Ultimately, participants clarify that the correct approach yields different kinetic energy values for varying scenarios.
Nitrag
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A 500g, 8.0-cm-diameter can rolls across the floor at 1.0 m/s. What's the can's kinetic energy.

I solved this using:

Code:
K = [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]*I*([tex]\frac{v}{r}[/tex])[tex]^{2}[/tex]

and for some reason I get 1/3 the answer. So I multiplied it by 3 at the end. Is there something wrong with the formula I'm using?


If i do the same thing with a similar problem I don't get the right answer. I think the difference lies in the 1.50 m/s.

Similar problem:
Code:
A 600 g, 6.50-cm-diameter solid cylinder rolls across the floor at 1.50 m/s.
 
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Can you show the formula u used for I(in terms of r) ?
 
Oops sry,

I = (.5*m*r^2)
 
This is the value of I about COM, the cylinder is not rolling about the COM.
 
Since the can is hollow, you must know the inner and outer diameter of the can to find the MI.
 
If the walls of the can are very small, the moment of inertia = MR^2
 
Hey karnataki, specify the axis (coz here I is 3/2MR^2)
 
Moment of inertia of a hollow cylinder about the axis parallel to the axis of cylinder is = M(R1^2 + R2^2)/2
If the can is thin, in that case R1 is nearly equal to R2.
and MI = MR^2. You have taken the axis tangential to the cylinder and parallel to the axis of the cylinder.
 
Thats the axis along which pure rotation is taking place, I suppose.
 
  • #10
K.E. of rolling can = 1/2*I(com)(v/r)^2 + 1/2*Mv(com)^2
= 1/2*Mr^2(v/r)^2 + 1/2*Mv(com)^2
= 1/2*Mv^2 +1/2*Mv^2
= Mv^2
In such problems radius of the object is not needed.
 
  • #11
Hey I(com) = 1/2Mr^2.
 
  • #12
Just mv^2 does not work.My buddy has a different values and he got 0.443 for the question:
Code:
A 500g, 8.0-cm-diameter can rolls across the floor at 1.0 m/s. What's the can's kinetic energy.
 
  • #13
I (com) = 1/2(MR^2) is true for solid cylinder.

Total KE of rolling body = KE of translation + KE of rotaion
If possible go through Halliday & Resnic Book of Physics
 
  • #14
Oh ya, I'm sorry for the confusion.
So, K = Mv^2 = 0.5 * (1)^2 = 0.5 J

and for the other ques. K = 0.6 * (1.5)^2 = 1.35 J
Are your numerical values same, Nitrag?
 
  • #15
Sourabh N said:
Oh ya, I'm sorry for the confusion.
So, K = Mv^2 = 0.5 * (1)^2 = 0.5 J

and for the other ques. K = 0.6 * (1.5)^2 = 1.35 J
Are your numerical values same, Nitrag?

Yes, I got 1.35 J also but it is not correct.
 
  • #16
For the other question K = 1/2*1/2*(MR^2)(V/R)^2 + 1/2*MV^2
= 1/4MV^2 + 1/2MV^2 =3/4MV^2 = 1.0125 J
 
  • #17
ah, I see the connection now. thanks for the help!
 
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