Linear and Rotational Kinetic Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of linear and rotational kinetic energy for a solid cylinder rolling without slipping. The total kinetic energy (Ke) is expressed as Ke = (mv²)/2 + (I(v/r)²)/2, leading to the conclusion that the fraction of linear kinetic energy is 1/3. Participants clarify the calculations, correcting the effective mass to 3m/2 and confirming that the final answer for linear kinetic energy is 2/3. This discussion highlights the importance of careful notation in physics equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with rotational inertia (I) concepts
  • Knowledge of rolling motion dynamics
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of rotational inertia for various shapes
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in rolling motion
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular acceleration
  • Investigate the effects of friction on rolling objects
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of kinetic energy in rolling objects.

woaini
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Homework Statement



A solid cylinder is rolling without slipping. What fraction of its kinetic energy is linear?

Homework Equations



Ke=\frac{mv^2}{2}+\frac{I(v/r)^2}{2}

The Attempt at a Solution

Ke=\frac{mv^2}{2}+\frac{(v/r)^2}{2}*\frac{(mr)^2}{2}

Ke=\frac{3(mv)^2}{4}

Linear Ke =\frac{(mv)^2}{4}

Fraction of Linear Ke = \frac{linear Ke}{Ke} = \frac{(1/4)}{(3/4)} = \frac{1}{3}
 
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hi woaini! :smile:
woaini said:
Linear Ke =\frac{(mv)^2}{4}

uhh? :confused:
 
woaini said:
Ke= ... *\frac{(mr)^2}{2}
The m should not be getting squared. You need to be more careful with the parentheses.
 
tiny-tim said:
hi woaini! :smile:


uhh? :confused:

Nvm it should be 1/2. Therefore I should get a final answer of 2/3 linear kinetic energy?
 
woaini said:
Therefore I should get a final answer of 2/3 linear kinetic energy?

yup! :biggrin:

btw, a way of checking this is to say the mass is m, the "rolling mass" (= I/r2) = m/2, so the "effective mass" is 3m/2, and eg the acceleration down a slope must be multiplied by 2/3 (but don't use that in the exam :wink:)

(for a sphere, it's m + 2m/5 = 7m/5, and the acceleration must be multiplied by 5/7)
 

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