Linear and Rotational Kinetic Energy

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a solid cylinder rolling without slipping and seeks to determine the fraction of its kinetic energy that is linear. The discussion centers on the concepts of linear and rotational kinetic energy in the context of classical mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of total kinetic energy and the fraction that is linear. There are attempts to clarify the equations used and the importance of proper notation. Some participants express confusion regarding the calculations and the interpretation of results.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the kinetic energy fractions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations, but there is no explicit consensus on the final answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules and are encouraged to explore reasoning without arriving at definitive conclusions. There are indications of potential errors in calculations that are being addressed.

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=[itex]\frac{mv^2}{2}[/itex]+[itex]\frac{I(v/r)^2}{2}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution

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

Ke=[itex]\frac{3(mv)^2}{4}[/itex]

Linear Ke =[itex]\frac{(mv)^2}{4}[/itex]

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

uhh? :confused:
 
woaini said:
Ke= ... *[itex]\frac{(mr)^2}{2}[/itex]
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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