Rolling Down a Ramp: Tube of Water vs Dirt - Which is Faster?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparative rolling speeds of a capped tube filled with dirt versus one filled with water on a ramp. It concludes that water consistently rolls faster than dirt due to two primary factors: lower rotational inertia and a more uniform distribution of mass. The water's ability to flow reduces energy loss from rotation, allowing for greater acceleration compared to the dirt, which tends to rotate within the tube.

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daniel_i_l
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I was wondering what rolls down a ramp faster - a tube (capped) full of dirt of a tube full with water. So i tried it and found that the water rolled faster -when it's mass was less then dirts mass and also when it was more. i thought of two reasons for this:
1) the water doesn't spin around in the tube as much so less energy is wasted on rotation.
2)the water is more uniform so it rolls better.

what's the real reason?
Thanks.
 
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1. .
 
well ...

rotational inertia. I assume that te dirt rotates with the pipe, whereas the water doesn't. Higher inertia means less accel with same force.
 

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