Solid sphere rolling down a house roof.... angular speed

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SUMMARY

A solid sphere with a radius of 16 cm and mass of 10 kg rolls down a roof inclined at 43 degrees, covering a distance of 9 m. The angular speed as it leaves the roof is calculated using the relationship between linear velocity and radius, yielding an angular speed of 100.5 rad/s. However, the calculation requires a proper understanding of torque and inertia, specifically using the formula τ = Iα. The vertical displacement of the sphere is determined to be approximately 6.14 m, and the final vertical velocity before leaving the roof is calculated to be 10.97 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics, specifically torque and angular acceleration.
  • Knowledge of the moment of inertia for a solid sphere, I = 0.4 * m * r^2.
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, particularly Vf^2 = Vo^2 + 2ad.
  • Ability to apply energy conservation principles in mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear and angular motion, specifically V = rω.
  • Learn about the conservation of energy in rolling motion, including potential and kinetic energy transformations.
  • Explore the concept of rolling without slipping and its implications on motion equations.
  • Review torque calculations and their applications in rotational dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational motion, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to angular speed and energy conservation in rolling objects.

shmoop

Homework Statement


A solid sphere of radius 16cm and mass 10kg starts from rest and rolls without slipping a distance of 9m down a house roof that is inclined at 43 degrees.

What is the angular speed about its center as it leaves the house roof?

The height of the outside wall of the house is 6m. What is the horizontal displacement of the sphere between the time in which it leaves the roof and the time at which it hits the ground?

Homework Equations



Torque=Inertia*Angular Acceleration (?)

Inertia of a solid sphere =0.4*m*r^2

I'm not really sure.. but:

Vf^2=Vo^2+2ad

The Attempt at a Solution



Inertia of the sphere.. incase I need it?
I=0.4*10kg*0.16m^2= 0.1024 kg*m^2

Viy= 0m/s
Vfy= ?
Ay= -9.8m/s^2
delta y= 9sin43= -6.1379m (vertical displacement)

Then I tried to calculate for the final vertical velocity (before it rolls off the roof)
Vfy^2=Viy^2+2ady

Vfy= sqrt(2*-9.8m/s^2*-6.1379m)

Vfy= 10.968 m/s

Then I tried to calculate for the final velocity before the ball rolls off the roof:
Vf= 10.968/sin43 = 16.0821

Then I tried to convert it to angular velocity:
V=r*ω
ω=V/r
ω=16.0821m/s / 0.16m = 100.5 rad/sI know this is incorrect, but I'm unsure as to where I went wrong. I'm trying to solve the problem without using work/energy, as my teacher hasn't yet covered those topics. If someone could point me in the right direction it would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks :)
 
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Hi,

Did you make a sketch of the various forces that accelerate/slow down the ball ?
shmoop said:
Ay= -9.8m/s^2
No. See your drawing. And use subscripts.
shmoop said:
rolls without slipping
Where do you use that ?
Where do you use ##\tau = I\alpha## ?
shmoop said:
Vfy^2=Viy^2+2ady
Who is ady ? Use only variables you have explained. Don't use A and a to denote the same variable.
 
Basic hint: sum of kinetic energies due to distance traveled by the c.g. plus rotational kinetic energy = total loss of potential energy.
 

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