Moment of inertia question; tube, solid cylinder on inclined plane.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the moment of inertia of a tube versus a solid cylinder when both are rolled down an inclined plane. It concludes that both objects will cover the same distance in the same time due to their identical acceleration, despite the solid cylinder having greater mass and potential energy. The mass cancels out in the energy conversion equations, confirming that rolling motion does not affect the distance covered under these conditions.

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  • Understanding of moment of inertia
  • Familiarity with potential and kinetic energy equations
  • Basic knowledge of rolling motion dynamics
  • Concept of acceleration in physics
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mesa
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If you have a tube and a solid cylinder of the same dimensions and density and rolled them down an inclined plane the 'tube' would cover the same distance in less time?
 
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I'm pretty sure that the answer is the same distance at the same time. Both tubes have the same acceleration throughout their motions. I don't think it matters that they're rolling. The solid one has more potential energy because of its greater mass, but in the equation for conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy the mass cancels out.
 

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