Max Distance Up Ramp for Rotating Sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a uniform solid sphere rolling up a ramp at an angle, examining two scenarios: one where the ramp is frictionless and another where friction prevents sliding. Participants are exploring the maximum distance the sphere can travel up the ramp based on energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of energy conservation equations, questioning the validity of their conclusions regarding the distance traveled up the ramp in both scenarios. There is also inquiry into the origin of the factor 7/10 and whether the sphere's rotational kinetic energy is being appropriately accounted for.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the energy equations used, with one participant affirming the correctness of the approach for the second scenario. There is an ongoing exploration of the differences between the two cases, and participants are encouraged to identify errors in their reasoning.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. The distinction between frictionless and frictional conditions is a key point of contention.

physicos
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A uniform solid sphere of mass M and radius R is rolling without sliding along a level plane with a speed v = 2.30 m/s when it encounters a ramp that is at an angle θ = 27.6° above the horizontal. Find the maximum distance that the sphere travels up the ramp if :
1-
the ramp is frictionless, so the sphere continues to rotate with its initial angular speed until it reaches its maximum height.
→ I used : Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf
and concluded that Ki=7/10* m*v² =mglsinθ
so l = (7/10 *m*v²)/(mg*sinθ).

is it true ?
2-
the ramp has enough friction to prevent the sphere from sliding so that both the linear and rotational motion stop (instantaneously).
→ I concluded the same as the first case : means l = (7/10 *m*v²)/(mg*sinθ).
is it correct ?
 
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physicos said:
A uniform solid sphere of mass M and radius R is rolling without sliding along a level plane with a speed v = 2.30 m/s when it encounters a ramp that is at an angle θ = 27.6° above the horizontal. Find the maximum distance that the sphere travels up the ramp if :
1-
the ramp is frictionless, so the sphere continues to rotate with its initial angular speed until it reaches its maximum height.
→ I used : Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf
and concluded that Ki=7/10* m*v² =mglsinθ
so l = (7/10 *m*v²)/(mg*sinθ).

is it true ?
Nope.

2-
the ramp has enough friction to prevent the sphere from sliding so that both the linear and rotational motion stop (instantaneously).
→ I concluded the same as the first case : means l = (7/10 *m*v²)/(mg*sinθ).
is it correct ?
It turns out this one is correct. Obviously the two cases are different, so you need to figure out where you messed up in the first part of the problem.
 
Where did the 7/10 come from?

Does the sphere have rotational kinetic energy?
 
The sphere has both rotational and transitional kinetic energy
 
vela said:
Nope.It turns out this one is correct. Obviously the two cases are different, so you need to figure out where you messed up in the first part of the problem.

FOR THE FIRST CASE :

Kf+Uf=Ki+Ui
so 1/2m*v²f+1/2*I*w²+mg*l*sinθ=1/2*m*v²+1/2*I*w²
so It becomes : mg*l*sinθ=1/2*m*v²so l = v²/2*g*sinθ

Is it correct now ?
 
That part looks right to me.
 

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