Linear and Angular momentum of a rolling object

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the linear and angular momentum of a rolling cylinder on a moving sheet of sandpaper, particularly focusing on the implications of static friction and the direction of motion and rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario where a cylinder is pulled on a moving sheet of sandpaper, questioning the relationship between linear and angular momentum and suggesting a potential contradiction regarding the direction of rotation.
  • Another participant asserts that the cylinder can roll clockwise while moving to the left, referencing a linked thread for further context.
  • A subsequent post raises a question about the role of static friction in this scenario, suggesting that linear and angular accelerations cannot be infinite.
  • A later reply acknowledges a misunderstanding about the motion of the cylinder, clarifying that it can indeed move to the left with a velocity less than that of the sandpaper while still rolling to the right.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the cylinder's motion and its rotation, with some asserting that the cylinder can roll in one direction while translating in another. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of static friction and the conditions under which the cylinder rolls and moves.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the scenario involves specific conditions such as the initial velocity of the sandpaper and the nature of static friction, which may affect the outcomes discussed.

hihiip201
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Hi all:


I have been wondering:

picture a cylinder sitting above a sheet of sand paper, assume static friction between the sheet of paper and the cylinder.



if i start pulling the sheet of paper at velocity v along a direction of rolling (to the left), the moment caused by static friction of the sheet would cause a moment in clockwise direction, causing the a angular momentum C.W. But at the same time, since this force is directed in the left, there should be a linear momentum cause the this cylinder to roll to the left.


so my question is , wouldn't this imply a contradiction?
since if the cylinder is to roll to the left, there should be a C.C.W rotation?


thank you
 
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hihiip201 said:
even for static friction?
Since the linear and angular acceleration can't be infinite, then in the case of only static friction, the sand paper (or the conveyor belt in the linked thread), would have to start off at zero velocity and then accelerate to some specific speed.
 
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Hi:Sorry about my stupidity, I just realize that you can have the cylinder moving to the left with velocity lower than v, and rolling to the right, i thought it implied a contradiction because i forgot that we are on a moving sandpaper, not stationary. I didn't see realize that rolling only means that surface velocity must be the same as the sandpaper and the object must move to the right relative to the sand paper, so as long as it doesn't move as fast as v this would be satisfied.thanks!
 
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