What is the final linear speed of a basketball rolling down an incline?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the final linear speed of a basketball rolling down an incline with an initial speed of 3.0 m/s and a height of 8.4 m. Participants emphasize the importance of energy conservation, specifically total mechanical energy, which combines kinetic and potential energy. The equations for kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) are set up to reflect the initial and final states of the basketball. The correct approach involves equating the total initial energy to the total final energy as the ball rolls down without slipping. Ultimately, the participant confirms they arrived at the correct answer using the established equations.
df102015
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Homework Statement


upload_2016-5-11_17-21-27.png

The image above shows a basketball (a thin spherical shell I=⅔ mR^2) rolling don an incline of height 8.4 m. If the ball is already rolling with an initial linear speed of 3.0 m/s then what will be the final linear speed when it rolls off the incline?

Homework Equations


I = 2/3 m R^2
KE = 1/2 m v^2 + 1/2 I ω^2
ω = v / R
PE = m g h

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that i am missing some equations but honestly i don't know where to start other than substituting for ω and I.

KE = 1/2 m v^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(v / R)^2]

i do not think that i need the potential energy equation, but i mentioned it just incase. Also, how do i cancel out the mass and radius since they are not given in the problem?
 
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You have all the equations. You just need the concept. Is anything conserved in this problem?
 
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TSny said:
You have all the equations. You just need the concept. Is anything conserved in this problem?
Energy, so would i set KE=PE ?
 
Energy, yes. But there is no law that says that KE should always equal PE. What about total mechanical energy: E = KE + PE? What can you say about E as the ball rolls down the slope?
 
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Hint:
Total Initial Energy = Total final energy
(As the ball rolls without slipping no heat is lost due to friction)
 
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Okay so would i use the equation that i have already set up? ...
KE = 1/2 m v^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(v / R)^2]
And would i add PE (mgh) and set equal to ME?
 
Sahil Kukreja said:
Hint:
Total Initial Energy = Total final energy
(As the ball rolls without slipping no heat is lost due to friction)
But how do i set the equations up so that the variables i need cancel and everything else remains?
 
df102015 said:
But how do i set the equations up so that the variables i need cancel and everything else remains?
Do what you proposed in post #6 (add in PE), write the KE+PE expressions for each of the starting and ending circumstances, and set them equal.
 
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haruspex said:
Do what you proposed in post #6 (add in PE), write the KE+PE expressions for each of the starting and ending circumstances, and set them equal.
Okay i think i have it...
1/2 m Vinitial^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(Vinitial / R)^2] + m g h = 1/2 m Vfinal^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(Vfinal / R)^2]

Is this correct?
 
  • #10
df102015 said:
Okay i think i have it...
1/2 m Vinitial^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(Vinitial / R)^2] + m g h = 1/2 m Vfinal^2 + 1/2 (2/3 m R^2) [(Vfinal / R)^2]

Is this correct?
Yes.
 
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  • #11
haruspex said:
Yes.
Thanks! I got the right answer!
 
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