Rolling sphere, where to start when i dont know the radius?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a rolling sphere with a mass of 2.5 kg and a center of gravity speed of 10 m/s. Participants are tasked with calculating the translational and rotational kinetic energies, as well as the total kinetic energy of the sphere, and comparing it to a hollow cylinder under the same conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between translational speed and angular velocity, questioning the validity of using a specific angular velocity value provided in a textbook. There is discussion about deriving rotational energy as a function of known quantities and the implications of missing information regarding the radius.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made calculations for translational and rotational kinetic energies, while others express uncertainty about the assumptions made, particularly regarding the angular velocity. There is acknowledgment of the lack of examples in the textbook that directly relate to the problem, leading to further questioning and exploration of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the only information provided in the problem statement is the mass and speed of the sphere, raising concerns about the adequacy of the data for solving the problem completely.

bikkja
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Rolling sphere, problems with the fundementals.

Homework Statement


A sphere with the mass of 2.5 kg rolls without slipping. The speed of the center of gravity is 10 m/s.

a) Calculate the translational kinetic energy of the sphere
b) Calculate the rotational energy of the sphere
c) Calculate the total kinetic energy of the sphere
d) Repeat a)-c) for a hollow cylinder with the same mass and speed

Homework Equations


vT = ω x r ,where vT is the speed of the center of gravity for the sphere

Er = 1/2 x I x ω^2 , where Er is the rotational energy and ω=angular velocity

I = 2/5 x M x r^2 , moment of inertia of the ball

Ek = 1/2 x m x vT^2 + 1/2 x I x ω^2 , where Ek is the total kinetic energy of the rolling motion


The Attempt at a Solution



My first thought was finding the radius using vT=ω x r , my book says that ω=2 rad/s

r = (10 m/s)/(2 rad/s) = 10/2pi m, but I am really not sure if I am allowed to do this. I can't find any examples in my textbook that relates to this problem.
 
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Rotational energy is usually expressed as a function of ω. Using your Eqn. 2, it should be possible to express as a function of v. Now you can use ratios since the translational energy is known.

Sorry I am somewhat cryptic but I don't want the hall monitors to come down on me.
 
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a)
translational kinetic energy -> Ek = 1/2 x m x vT^2 = 1/2 x 2.5 kg x (10 m/s)^2 = 125 J

b)
rotational energy -> Er = 1/2 x I x ω^2 , I= 2/5m x r^2

Er = 1/2 x 2/5 x m x r^2 x ω^2 , ω=vT / r

Er = 1/5 x m x r^2 x (vT / r)^2

Er = (1/5 x m x r^2 x vT^2)/r^2

Er = 1/5 x m x vT^2 = 1/5 x 2.5 kg x (10 m/s)^2 = 50 J

Am i somewhat close?
 
bikkja said:
My first thought was finding the radius using vT=ω x r , my book says that ω=2 rad/s.
Is this value of ##\omega## given in the statement of the problem? Is anything else given that you haven't mentioned?
 
bikkja said:

Homework Statement


A sphere with the mass of 2.5 kg rolls without slipping. The speed of the center of gravity is 10 m/s.

a) Calculate the translational kinetic energy of the sphere
b) Calculate the rotational energy of the sphere
c) Calculate the total kinetic energy of the sphere
d) Repeat a)-c) for a hollow cylinder with the same mass and speed

This is the only information that is stated in the problem.
 
bikkja said:
This is the only information that is stated in the problem.
Where did the value for ##\omega## come from?
 
I think I misinterpreted an example in my textbook, i haven't use that value in solving the problem above.
 
Do you mean you've solved it?
 
To the best of my current understanding. My textbook have no right/wrong section so i have no way to verify my answer. It does not either have any examples that i find particulary useful helping my solving this problem.
 
  • #10
bikkja said:
a)
translational kinetic energy -> Ek = 1/2 x m x vT^2 = 1/2 x 2.5 kg x (10 m/s)^2 = 125 J

b)
rotational energy -> Er = 1/2 x I x ω^2 , I= 2/5m x r^2

Er = 1/2 x 2/5 x m x r^2 x ω^2 , ω=vT / r

Er = 1/5 x m x r^2 x (vT / r)^2

Er = (1/5 x m x r^2 x vT^2)/r^2

Er = 1/5 x m x vT^2 = 1/5 x 2.5 kg x (10 m/s)^2 = 50 J

Am i somewhat close?
Yes, it is correct. Go ahead.

ehild
 
  • #11
c) Total kinetic energy for the sphere:

Ek = Ekt + Er = 125 J + 50 J = 175 J

, is Ekt the correct notation for translational kinetic energy?
 
  • #12
You can use any notation if you explain what you mean. I would use KEt and KEr.
And what about question d)?

ehild
 
  • #13
Will complete it later today. Thank you so much for your help so far. Great site.
 
  • #14
Ok, I am looking forward to seeing your solution for d). :smile:

ehild
 

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