Question

The objects listed are placed at the top of a ramp and roll down to the bottom without slipping. Assuming that there is no air resistance, rank them in order from fastest average rolling speed to slowest. a. large marble b. basteball c. manhole cover d. wedding ring

Answer 1

Explanation:

For each object, the initial potential energy is converted to rotational energy and translational energy:

PE = RE + KE

mgh = ½ Iω² + ½ mv²

For the marble (a solid sphere), I = ⅖ mr².

For the basketball (a hollow sphere), I = ⅔ mr².

For the manhole cover (a solid cylinder), I = ½ mr².

For the wedding ring (a hollow cylinder), I = mr².

If we say k is the coefficient in each case:

mgh = ½ (kmr²) ω² + ½ mv²

For rolling without slipping, ωr = v:

mgh = ½ kmv² + ½ mv²

gh = ½ kv² + ½ v²

2gh = (k + 1) v²

v² = 2gh / (k + 1)

The smaller the value of k, the higher the velocity.  Therefore:

marble > manhole cover > basketball > wedding ring