Rotational Motion: Answers to Physics Homework

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics homework problem involving two identical soccer balls—one sliding and one rolling—down a ramp. The height of the ramp is 4.0m, and the radius of the circular section is 1.5m. The speed of the sliding ball at the bottom of the curve is calculated to be 8.9m/s. To find the speed of the rolling ball, participants are advised to use the rotational kinetic energy equation and the moment of inertia for a thin-walled spherical shell, which is I=(2/3)MR^2, without needing the radius of the ball.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational motion concepts
  • Familiarity with the work-energy principle
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia for different shapes
  • Basic algebra and physics problem-solving skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the work-energy principle in rotational motion
  • Learn how to apply the moment of inertia for various geometric shapes
  • Explore the relationship between linear and angular velocity (v=rw)
  • Practice similar problems involving rolling and sliding objects on inclined planes
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of rotational motion problems and solutions.

Kelschul
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Homework Statement


Two identical soccer balls are released from rest from the top of ramp consisting of a straight section connected to a circular section having the shape shown at right (height of ramp from where ball is released to bottom of curve is 4.0m. The radius of the curve is 1.5m). The end of the circular section of track is vertical. One ball slides down the ramp, while the other ball rolls without slipping. A soccer ball can be considered a thin-walled spherical shell.
(a)What is the speed of each ball at the bottom of the curve?
(b)What is the ratio of the normal force on the sliding ball to the normal force on the rolling ball at the bottom of the curve?
(c)What speed does each ball have when leaving the ramp?

Homework Equations


I=(2/3)MR(^2)
Wnc=((1/2)mvf(^2)+mghf)-((1/2)mv0(^2)+mgh0)



The Attempt at a Solution



Ok. I used the Wnc equation above to find the speed of the sliding ball, which I found to be 8.9m/s.
I tried to find the speed of the rolling ball by adding Iwf(^2) into the Wnc equation... but I couldn't get it to work.
w=vr, but I don't know the radius of the ball.
Do I need to find the radius, or is there another way to complete the problem?
I'm lost at what to do next... and trying to keep my eyes open :bugeye:
 
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Kelschul said:
I tried to find the speed of the rolling ball by adding Iwf(^2) into the Wnc equation... but I couldn't get it to work.
w=vr, but I don't know the radius of the ball.
Do I need to find the radius, or is there another way to complete the problem?
You don't need the radius. Hint: In the rotational KE term ([itex]1/2 I \omega^2[/itex]), plug in the rotational inertia for a spherical shell (in terms of M and R) and see what happens.
 
And v=rw, not w=vr.
 

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