Kinetic energy of solid sphere that is rolling

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the transitional and rotational kinetic energy of a solid sphere with a mass of 2.5 kg rolling at a velocity of 5.3 m/s. The relevant equations include the inertia of a solid sphere, given by I = (2/5)mR², and the formulas for transitional kinetic energy (KE_transitional = 1/2 mv²) and rotational kinetic energy (KE_rotational = 1/2 Iω²). The user successfully identifies the conversion from linear velocity to angular velocity using the equation v = ωr, allowing for the calculation of both types of kinetic energy and their ratio.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and inertia, specifically for solid spheres.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations, including transitional and rotational forms.
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relationship to linear velocity.
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations and solving for variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the inertia formula for different shapes, such as hollow spheres and cylinders.
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in rolling motion scenarios.
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular motion in more complex systems.
  • Practice problems involving the calculation of kinetic energy for various objects in motion.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of rotational motion and energy calculations in solid objects.

starstruck_
Messages
185
Reaction score
8

Homework Statement


A solid sphere of mass m=2.5 kg is rolling at v=5.3 m/s. Calculate the transitional kinetic energy, rotational kinetic energy, and the ratio of the two (Rotational/ Transitional).

Homework Equations


[/B]
Inertia of solid sphere = 2/5 mR^2 (where R is the radius and m is the mass)
Rotational energy = 1/2Iw^2 (where I is the inertia and w is the angular velocity)
Kinetic/ Transitional energy = 1/2mv^2

These are the only equations I know of, that are relevant to this - along with the conversion from velocity to angular velocity I suppose.

The Attempt at a Solution


I actually have no idea how to work this out.
When we do problems (online), we are supposed to come up with an expression to solve the problem, I am asked for an expression for the transitional energy, an expression for the rotational energy, and an expression for the ratio of the two.

I know that the transitional energy would just be 1/2mv^2, but I'm not sure for the rotational energy. Since r and w are not variables that are given to me, I need other expressions to define the radius and angular velocity and sub those in (assuming I'm on the right path) to create the expression for my rotational energy ( if that makes sense?)

I'm not even sure if that is the right thing to do ^ but I don't know how else I would go about doing this.

Also, I hope it's not too much to ask, but could you please provide your reasoning for any assumptions you make and steps you take? I want to make sure I understand this - there's a part b to this with a hollow sphere that I would like to try on my own. Thank you!EDIT: never mind I'm dumb, figured it out!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The wonders an extra relevant equation (in this case ##\ v = \omega r\ ##) can do for you :smile: ! Well done !
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: starstruck_
BvU said:
The wonders an extra relevant equation (in this case ##\ v = \omega r\ ##) can do for you :smile: ! Well done !
XD Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
828
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
931
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K