Velocity of a ball rolling down a ramp (and onto the floor)?

[burberryblue]

Homework Statement

A ramp is set up so that one end is propped up with a few textbooks and the other end is continuous with the floor. You roll a marble down an incline and onto the floor. Compare the velocity of the marble down the incline with the velocity of the marble as it rolls onto the smooth floor.

Homework Equations

None needed. The question is just asking for a general shape to the graph or a pattern.

This is what my velocity graph looks like (higher line is velocity of marble rolling onto smooth floor after going down the ramp, lower is the velocity as it goes down the ramp from the beginning to the end of the ramp): http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1338/sketchonlyg.jpg
Is this accurate?

 

[kuruman]

When the ball rolls down the ramp does it accelerate?
When the ball rolls on the floor, does it accelerate?
If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, is the acceleration constant or does it change depending on where the ball is?

 

[tomcue]

Yes, your velocity graph accurately represents the change in velocity of the marble as it rolls down the ramp and onto the smooth floor. As the marble rolls down the incline, its velocity increases due to the force of gravity pulling it down the ramp. Once it reaches the bottom of the ramp and rolls onto the smooth floor, its velocity remains constant as there is no longer a force acting on it. This can be seen in your graph as the steeper incline on the right side represents a higher velocity compared to the less steep incline on the left side. Overall, your graph shows a clear and accurate representation of the marble's changing velocity throughout its journey down the ramp and onto the floor.