Accelerating a Uniform Sphere Down an Incline

AI Thread Summary
To find the acceleration of a uniform sphere rolling down a 30-degree incline, start with the potential energy equation, mgh, and the kinetic energy equations for both translational and rotational motion. The initial kinetic energy is zero since the sphere starts from rest. After calculating the velocity at the end of the slope, use the relationship s = v^2/(2a) to determine the acceleration of the center of mass. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying energy conservation principles and understanding the motion equations to solve for acceleration.
physikx
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A uniform sphere rolls down a 30 degree incline θ from height h. Initially, the solid is at rest. Find the acceleration for the center of the mass of the solid.

I am not sure where to start with this problem. I started with the energy formulas, but I am not sure how to find the acceleration of the center of mass from there. I just need a guide on what formulas or setup to use, thanks!

Homework Equations


Translational and rotational motion equations

The Attempt at a Solution


K_i=mghsin30
K_f=1/2mv^2+1/2Iω^2

then I solved for v:
v=radical(10/7*ghsin30)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi, physikx,

The potential energy is mgh (h is the height of the (slope). Correct your result for v.

V is the speed of the CM at the end of the slope. Find the length travelled, and use the relation s=v^2/(2a) to determine the acceleration of the CM.

ehild
 
Hey ehid,

Thank you so much for the help! I was able to setup the problem and get the answer. I really appreciate the guidance.

Peace
 
You are welcome.

ehild
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Back
Top