Rotational Kinetic Energy and Frictionless Surfaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a ball transitioning from a surface with friction to a frictionless surface. It is established that friction is necessary for the ball to initiate rolling, but once in motion, the ball will continue to roll due to the conservation of angular momentum. The rotational kinetic energy does not convert to translational energy in this scenario; instead, the ball maintains its rolling motion indefinitely on a frictionless surface unless acted upon by an external torque.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational kinetic energy
  • Knowledge of friction and its role in motion
  • Familiarity with conservation of angular momentum
  • Basic principles of classical mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of conservation of angular momentum in detail
  • Explore the effects of torque on rolling objects
  • Investigate the differences between rolling motion and sliding motion
  • Learn about real-world applications of frictionless surfaces in physics experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of motion and energy conservation principles.

econ94
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What happens if a ball goes from rolling on a surface to a frictionless surface? I know friction is required for the ball to roll, so would the rotational energy be transformed into translational energy (the ball goes faster without rolling), or does something else happen?

Thanks!
 
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My intuition tells me that the ball would keep rolling. What would be required to stop the ball from rolling? Well, friction, and since there is none, the ball keeps rolling. One would think that you wouldn't be able to tell when the ball transitions surfaces.
 
econ94 said:
What happens if a ball goes from rolling on a surface to a frictionless surface? I know friction is required for the ball to roll, so would the rotational energy be transformed into translational energy (the ball goes faster without rolling), or does something else happen?

Thanks!

Friction is required to make the ball roll, but once it rolls, it will rotate further if no torque acts on it, according to conservation of angular momentum.

ehild
 

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