Possible forces acting on the ball rolling down a slope?

In summary, the possible forces acting on the ball neglecting friction from the slope and air resistance are gravitational force by the Earth and normal force exerted by the slope. In ideal conditions, these are the only two forces, but in the real world, there may be additional forces such as energy transfer to heat, sound, light, and electricity.
  • #1
GreenTea09
14
0
neglecting friction from the slope and air resistance,
what are the possible forces acting on the ball?

i can only think of 2:
gravitational force by the Earth on the ball.
normal force exerted by the slope on the ball.

are there any other forces else that i missed out?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Sounds like that's about it.

Of course, if the ball is rolling down the slope, there is usually friction involved. (Else it would just slide.)
 
Last edited:
  • #3
GreenTea09 said:
neglecting friction from the slope and air resistance,
what are the possible forces acting on the ball?

i can only think of 2:
gravitational force by the Earth on the ball.
normal force exerted by the slope on the ball.

are there any other forces else that i missed out?

In ideal conditions you are correct.

Real world: Energy transfer/inefficiencies would include mechanical to heat, sound, if hitting some rocks (sparks) light... if it's a metal ball passing over any magnets in the ground, electric.
 

1. What are the factors that affect the speed of a ball rolling down a slope?

The speed of a ball rolling down a slope is affected by several factors, including the angle of the slope, the weight of the ball, and the surface of the slope. The steeper the slope, the faster the ball will roll. A heavier ball will also roll faster than a lighter ball, and a smooth surface will allow the ball to roll faster than a rough surface.

2. What is the relationship between the height of the slope and the speed of the rolling ball?

The height of the slope is directly proportional to the speed of the rolling ball. This means that as the height of the slope increases, the speed of the ball will also increase. This relationship is described by the law of conservation of energy, which states that the potential energy at the top of the slope is converted into kinetic energy as the ball rolls down.

3. How does the mass of the ball affect its acceleration down the slope?

The mass of the ball does not affect its acceleration down the slope. According to the law of inertia, the mass of an object does not affect its acceleration due to gravity. This means that a heavier ball and a lighter ball will accelerate at the same rate down a slope.

4. Does the shape of the ball affect its rolling speed down a slope?

Yes, the shape of the ball can affect its rolling speed down a slope. A round ball will generally roll faster than a ball with an irregular shape because there is less friction between the round ball and the surface of the slope. However, the mass and weight of the ball also play a role in determining its speed down the slope.

5. How does the surface of the slope affect the speed of the rolling ball?

The surface of the slope can greatly affect the speed of the rolling ball. A smooth surface will allow the ball to roll faster because there is less friction between the ball and the slope. On the other hand, a rough surface will create more friction and slow down the ball's speed. Other factors, such as moisture or debris on the surface, can also impact the ball's speed down the slope.

Similar threads

B Will a round-headed rod topple if it slides down a frictionless slope?
    • Mechanics
4
Replies
123
Views
4K
I Rolling ball, change of direction
    • Mechanics
Replies
3
Views
985
B How to characterize a rubber ball moving horizontally and bouncing off of a vertical wall?
    • Mechanics
Replies
8
Views
144
I Rolling balls with different rotational inertia
    • Mechanics
Replies
14
Views
1K
Counter-intuitive 2D collision
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
1K
B Rolling of non-deforming sphere on a non-deforming rough surface?
    • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
873
Can a gyroscope lift a fulcrum (and itself), hinged to the floor?
    • Mechanics
Replies
8
Views
2K
Pool Ball Physics: Questions on Impact Spins
    • Mechanics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I [Questions] Modeling a Baseball Pitch Trajectory in 3D Space
    • Mechanics
Replies
1
Views
797
Calculating the Speed of a Ball Rolling Down a Hill
    • Mechanics
Replies
12
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top