Rotation: Calculating Rotational Energy of Sphere with Steiner

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kruger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rotation
Click For Summary
To calculate the rotational energy of a sphere rolling down a frictionless plane, the moment of inertia is given as I = 2/5*m*r^2. The formula for rotational energy is Erot = 1/2*I*w^2, where w is the angular velocity. The confusion arises regarding the application of Steiner's theorem, which is used to find the moment of inertia about an axis parallel to one through the center of mass. Generally, Steiner's theorem is applied when the axis of rotation is not through the center of mass, but for a sphere rolling without slipping, it is not necessary. Understanding when to apply Steiner's theorem is crucial for solving problems involving rolling objects.
Kruger
Messages
213
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Consider a spere with momenta of inertia of 2/5*m*r^2 that rolls down a plane surface (no friction). I want to calculate the rotational energy of the sphere when it has speed v0.

Homework Equations



Erot=1/2*I*w^2

The Attempt at a Solution



My only problem is: Do I need to transform my I=2/5*m*r^2 with the rule of steiner, or don't I have to use the rule of Steiner? I would say no.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm so confused because sometimes Steiner's theorem isn't used and sometimes it is used for rolling objects. Can you please generalize, when I have to use Steiner's theorem for rolling objects? Would be really helpful.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K