Rolling Fricition, Kinetic Friction

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the relationship between rolling friction and surface area, specifically comparing objects of the same mass, such as spheres and cuboids, on an incline. It concludes that rolling friction does not depend on surface area when comparing objects of equal mass and material, as the primary factors influencing rolling resistance are the object's shape and the incline's characteristics. The conversation also touches on the impact of wheel diameter on rolling resistance in railway freight cars, suggesting that larger diameter wheels may alter resistance dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly friction and rolling motion.
  • Familiarity with the principles of kinetic friction and static friction.
  • Knowledge of the effects of mass and shape on motion dynamics.
  • Basic grasp of incline physics and forces acting on objects in motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical models of rolling friction, including the role of radius and mass.
  • Explore the effects of different materials on rolling resistance in practical applications.
  • Investigate the physics of wheel design, particularly in relation to diameter and rolling efficiency.
  • Study the implications of kinetic friction in real-world scenarios, such as vehicle performance on inclines.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of motion and friction in various materials and shapes.

Prannoy Mehta
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Does rolling friction depend on the surface area? In other words, the size of the object placed? If I had a block and sphere of the same mass. Without static and kinetic friction coming into play. Which would experience greater rolling friction if they were on the same incline and of the same material and mass?

If I had a similar scene with a cube and cuboid (The base area of the cuboid is more, they are made of same materials and have the same mass.). Which would go down first if kinetic friction is considered? Assuming no toppling.
 
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Are you picturing your block smoothly rolling down the incline?
 
Yes. Toppling over and over again. (With a good speed) Giving a picture that it is rolling.
 
That sounds like a combination of sliding and rolling, at least.
 
Yes, very true. I forgot about it. So I will reframe my first question.

Does rolling friction depend on the surface area? In other words, the size of the object placed? If I had two spheres (With radii r1 and r2. r1>r2) of the same mass. Without static and kinetic friction coming into play. Which would experience greater rolling friction if they were on the same incline and have similar forces between the atoms of one another? (I mentioned the latter condition to simply ensure that there is nothing to do with the interatomic forces between the atoms of the spheres with that of the plane. As the materials will be different. If not appropriate please modify the condition to convey the same message.)
 
If the wheels on a railway freight car were swapped with wheels similar but of a greater diameter, how will its rolling resistance be expected to change? ... does that say what you seek?

I could only guess the answer, hopefully someone else can help you with this.
 
Yes, precisely. Just assuming the wheels are perfect discs.
 

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