Kinetic Energy of a Bowling Ball

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total kinetic energy of a bowling ball rolling down a lane, considering both translational and rotational kinetic energy. The subject area pertains to mechanics, specifically the concepts of kinetic energy and rotational motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the moment of inertia and rotational kinetic energy but expresses uncertainty about the results. Some participants question the calculations related to angular velocity and emphasize the importance of including translational kinetic energy in the total energy calculation.

Discussion Status

The discussion has seen participants revisiting calculations and clarifying the need for both types of kinetic energy. A participant has indicated that they arrived at a correct answer after addressing the initial oversight, but there is no explicit consensus on the methods used.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the calculations and the interpretation of values, particularly with respect to the exponent in the calculations. The original poster's assumption about starting from rest is also noted.

PeachBanana
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Homework Statement



A bowling ball of mass 7.2 kg and radius 9.1 cm rolls without slipping down a lane at 3.0 m/s.

What is the total kinetic energy of the bowling ball?

Homework Equations


KE rot. = 1/2 Iω^2

The Attempt at a Solution



KE initial = 0 J (I'm assuming it started from rest).
I = 2/5 (7.2 kg)(0.091 m)^2
I = 0.0238492 kg * m^2
I used the formula for a uniform sphere to calculate this.

3.0 m/s / 0.091 m = 0.3296 rad./s

KE final = 1/2 (0.0238492 kg*m^2)(0.3296 rad./s)^2
KE final = 1.3 * 10 ^ -3 J

I'm thinking I messed up at the "I" variable because my answer is tiny.
 
Last edited:
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PeachBanana said:
3.0 m/s / 0.091 m = 0.3296 rad./s
Recheck this calculation.

Also: Don't forget the translational KE.
 
DocAl - I redid the calculation and read the exponent of 3.296 as -1 and not +1. I added in the translational kinetic energy and got the right answer of 45 J.
 
Good!
 

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