Question

A solid sphere has a radius of 0.200 m and a mass of 150.0 kg. how much work is required to get the sphere rolling with an angular speed of 50.0 rad/s on a horizontal surface? assume that the sphere starts from rest and rolls without slipping.

Answer 1

Here in this case we can use work energy theorem

As per work energy theorem

Work done by all forces = Change in kinetic Energy of the object

Total kinetic energy of the solid sphere is ZERO initially as it is given at rest.

Final total kinetic energy is sum of rotational kinetic energy and translational kinetic energy

$KE = \frac{1}{2}Iw^2 +\frac{1}{2} mv^2$

also we know that

$I = \frac{2}{5}mR^2$

$w= \frac{v}{R}$

Now kinetic energy is given by

$KE = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{2}{5}mR^2)w^2 +\frac{1}{2} m(Rw)^2$

$KE = \frac{1}{5}mR^2w^2 +\frac{1}{2} mR^2w^2$

$KE = \frac{7}{10}mR^2w^2$

$KE = \frac{7}{10}*150*(0.200)^2(50)^2$

$KE = 10500 J$

Now by work energy theorem

Work done = 10500 - 0 = 10500 J

So in the above case work done on sphere is 10500 J