Vito"Do Balls Rolling Uphill Stop at the Same Point? - MarkoDeVito

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter MarkoDe
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Balls Rolling
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

In the discussion, MarkoDeVito poses a physics question regarding two balls of different sizes and masses rolling up a hill under identical acceleration. The consensus is that if both balls start at the same speed and experience the same acceleration, they will stop at the same height on the hill. However, the larger ball's center of mass is initially higher due to its larger radius, which affects its point of contact with the hill. The conversation highlights the distinction between acceleration and impulse in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as acceleration and impulse.
  • Familiarity with the principles of motion and forces.
  • Knowledge of center of mass and its implications in physics.
  • Basic grasp of kinematics and dynamics in classical mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of kinematics in classical mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of center of mass and its effects on motion.
  • Study the differences between acceleration and impulse in physics.
  • Investigate real-world applications of motion on inclined planes.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion and forces in classical mechanics.

MarkoDe
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Hi folks,

I'm imagining the following situation:
Two balls lie at the base of a hill, side by side, not touching. One is larger and masses more than the other. They are made from the same material. Suddenly, they both experience the same acceleration towards the hill. They don't ever come into contact with each other. They don't experience any friction or air resistance.

So my question is, do they both stop an equal ways up the hill?

Thanks!

MarkoDe
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Assuming both balls arrive at the base of the hill at the same speed, they will climb up the hill by the same amount.

Note that the larger ball's center of mass starts off higher because of it's larger radius, and it's initial contact with the hill is also at a higher point than the smaller ball, so after both balls climb up the hill by the same amount the point of contact of the larger ball will be higher by the same amount as it was at the point of initial contact with the hill (if the hill is a flat ramp). Not sure if you were concerned about this minor detail.
 
my question is, why would they both stop?
There is an acceleration and the other forces are constant. I feel you are talking about an impulse not acceleration
 

Similar threads

High School Conservation of Energy: Ball on a U-Shaped Ramp
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School The physics of flywheel launchers (like tennis ball shooters)
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
7K
Undergrad What is the initial velocity of the ball on a smooth ramp?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Graduate Collision of two billiard balls with spin
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
6K
High School Questions about momentum and force as well as normal force/friction
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Undergrad Car - brake locking, stopping distance
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
5K
Undergrad How weather conditions affect a golf shot
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
High School How does the Gallilean Invariance Puzzle challenge our understanding of motion?
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
High School Conservation of momentum in a closed system
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Radius of ball matters in fall speed
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K