Rotational Motion on an Inclined Plane

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the forces acting on a ball as it rotates down an inclined plane, specifically focusing on which forces do work on the ball and the reasoning behind it. The subject area includes concepts of rotational motion and forces in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definitions of work and the conditions under which forces do work. Questions are raised regarding the roles of gravitational, normal, and frictional forces in this context, particularly whether friction does work and how it relates to the ball's motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on which forces are doing work and questioning the definitions and conditions for work. Some guidance is offered regarding the relationship between force direction and motion, but there is no explicit consensus on the roles of the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of work and the specific conditions under which different forces act on the ball. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of friction in the context of rotational motion on an inclined plane.

UMich1344
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What force does work on a ball as it is rotating down an inclined plane? Explain why the other forces the ball experiences do not do work.

I think the ball experiences gravitational, normal, and frictional forces. Is the force that actually does work on the ball just gravity? I'm having a hard time understanding this concept. Friction is what is causing the rotation, since on a frictionless inclined plane the ball would just slide down. But I don't know how to explain why a given force does or does not do work on the ball.
 
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Start with the definition of work.

Work is done when a force moves its point of application in the direction of motion.

With the normal force, is the force and motion in the same direction?
 
I think the frictional force is one of the forces that does work on the ball, I am not quite sure about the other forces
 
Sniperman724 said:
I think the frictional force is one of the forces that does work on the ball, I am not quite sure about the other forces

Well on the ball, there is the force down the slope, friction and the normal force.

You are correct that the frictional force does work, would the force down the slope do work?

Remember to see if the force is in the same direction in which the ball is moving.
 

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