Rolling Bowling Ball with backspin

In summary: Now do the same thing, but this time allow the hoop to spin freely before release. You will see that the backspin has had little or no effect on its trajectory.
  • #1
FallenApple
566
61
Ok so a ball starts moving to the left while the rotation is clockwise, hence the backspin. On this surface there is friction. So clearly as the ball moves to the left, there is Kinetic friction to the right slowing down the Vcm and the spin as well.

So assuming that the initial backspin is large enough such that that eventually the Vcm becomes momentarily 0 while the ball is still spinning clockwise.

At this point, what will happen? I've heard two things.

1: the kinetic friction pointing to the right will reverse the Vcm and increase it until it starts rolling without slipping.

2: A the moment the Vcm is 0, the ball immediately starts pure roll to the right and returns to where it started.Which one is more plausible?

I'm thinking #1 is because the backspin will cause friction to the right even though the Vcm is 0. Hence causing a short time interval where there is still slipping.

But #2 is somewhat plausible as well. If the material of the friction is low, maybe the kinetic friction will not exist at that instant when Vcm is 0, because the backspinight be weak to cause friction.
 
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  • #2
Accelerations will always be finite, that alone is sufficient to rule out the wrong scenario.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Accelerations will always be finite, that alone is sufficient to rule out the wrong scenario.
Right, if the ball starts rolling to the right with pure roll at that instant then that implies an infinite impulse was given to jump the Vcm to the one needed. Which is impossible
 
  • #4
Experiment can be entertaining. Take a "Hula Hoop" (a length of plastic tubing perhaps 2 cm in diameter bent and joined end-to-end to form a circular hoop perhaps 1 meter in diameter). Hold it underhand and throw it horizontally forward at a gentle pace. Just prior to the point of release use a flicking or snapping motion of the wrist to impart a goodly amount of backspin.

Watch as the hoop travels away from you, stops and ultimately returns to your hand, staying upright throughout.
 

1. What is backspin on a bowling ball?

Backspin on a bowling ball is when the ball is rotating backwards as it moves down the lane. This is achieved by releasing the ball with your fingers underneath it, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction of its forward motion.

2. How does backspin affect the motion of a rolling bowling ball?

Backspin creates more friction between the ball and the lane, slowing down the ball's forward motion and causing it to hook or curve. It also helps to maintain the ball's stability, making it less likely to veer off course.

3. Can backspin increase the power of a bowling ball?

Yes, backspin can increase the power of a bowling ball. When the ball is released with backspin, it gains more rotational energy, which can result in a stronger impact with the pins.

4. Do all professional bowlers use backspin?

No, not all professional bowlers use backspin. Some bowlers prefer to release the ball without any spin, known as a "straight ball," while others use a combination of backspin and side spin to achieve a specific hook pattern.

5. Is backspin illegal in bowling?

No, backspin is not illegal in bowling. It is a common technique used by many bowlers to achieve a desired ball motion. However, there are certain regulations and limits on how much backspin can be applied in professional bowling tournaments.

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