The normal force exerted on a small sphere

[thedaydreamer]

Homework Statement

A small sphere A of radius r and mass m rolls without slipping inside a large hemispherical bowl of radius R. The sphere A starts from rest at the top point on the rim of the hemisphere. Find the normal force exerted by small sphere when it touches the bottom of the hemisphere.




2. The attempt at a solution I'm unsure of how to approach this problem. I tried to use Conservation of Energy to find the velocity of the sphere but I don't know how that will help. I tried to use the fact that the relative acceleration to the inner surface of the bowl at the point of contact=0. This way I can find the frictional force but not the maximum normal force.

 

[tiny-tim]

hi thedaydreamer!

I tried to use Conservation of Energy to find the velocity of the sphere but I don't know how that will help. I tried to use the fact that the relative acceleration to the inner surface of the bowl at the point of contact=0. This way I can find the frictional force but not the maximum normal force.

yes, use conservation of energy (including rotational energy) to find the speed, then use F_total = ma to find N, where a is the https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=27"

 

[thedaydreamer]

Thank you tiny-tim. I should've noticed that myself. :)