Acceleration of a Rotational Sphere on an Inclined Plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the acceleration of a solid sphere rolling down an inclined plane, specifically addressing the forces acting on the sphere and the role of static friction. The correct equation for the acceleration of the center of mass of the sphere is derived as a = gsinθ - μgcosθ, where g is the acceleration due to gravity, θ is the angle of inclination, and μ is the coefficient of static friction. The confusion arises from the relationship between static friction, torque, and the moment of inertia of the sphere, which is I = (2/5)MR². The participant clarifies that the term (2/5) does not directly appear in the final acceleration equation, as it is accounted for in the dynamics of rolling without slipping.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with rotational dynamics and torque
  • Knowledge of static friction and its role in rolling motion
  • Basic concepts of moment of inertia, specifically for a solid sphere
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the equations of motion for rolling objects
  • Explore the concept of rolling without slipping in detail
  • Learn about the moment of inertia for various shapes and its applications
  • Investigate the effects of different coefficients of friction on rolling motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for examples of rotational motion and static friction in real-world applications.

einstein18
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Ok, I am trying to understand this problem on my practice exam and I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

Homework Statement


A solid sphere of mass M and radius R is released from rest on an inclined plane with an angle of θ. The coefficient of static friction for the sphere on the plane is μs. Assuming that the sphere rolls without slipping down the plane and that the static frictional force is at its maximum value, which of the following is the correct equation for the acceleration of the center of mass of the sphere?

Homework Equations


Since it is static friction and the sphere doesn't slip:
X-axis: Mgsinθ = Fstatic
Y-axis: Mgcosθ = N
Torque: Fstatic*R = I*alpha
alpha = a/R
I of solid sphere = (2/5)MR^2

The Attempt at a Solution


Simplifying the torque equation and making substituitions:
a = Fstatic*R^2 / I -> a = (μMgcosθ)R^2 / (2/5)MR^2 ->

a = μgcosθ/(2/5)

However, the answer is: a = gsinθ - μgcosθ

I see where the gsinθ comes from but I don't understand why its there if μ is static.
Also the thing that is confusing me the most, where does (2/5) go?

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I just realized that if I solve for the X-axis equation i get the answer:

mgsinθ - f = ma
a = gsinθ - μgcosθ

But this is only true if the friction were kinetic. Also where does the rotational aceleration go?
 
Oh! The question asks for the equation of the acceleration of the center of mass of the sphere. Doh. I can't believe i just spent the past hour trying to figure this out...
 
Einstein eh :P
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 97 ·
4
Replies
97
Views
6K
Replies
43
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K