Acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp

In summary, the conversation discusses a bowling ball rolling up a ramp and the need for friction force to be directed uphill. It delves into the acceleration of the ball's center of mass and the minimum coefficient of static friction needed to prevent slipping. The equations used include the moment of inertia, force, torque, and friction. The solution involves careful attention to signs and determining the acceleration of the ball on the ramp.
  • #1
pathmaker
3
0

Homework Statement


"A bowling ball rolls without slipping up a ramp that sloped upward at an angle B to the horizontal. Treat the ball as a uniform, sold spehere, ignoring the finger holes. a) explain why the friction force must be directed uphill. b) what is the acceleration of the center of mass of the ball? c) what minimum coefficient of static friction is needed to prevent slipping?


Homework Equations


I=2/5mr^2
F=ma, torque=fr=I alpha, a=r alpha
f=mu n


The Attempt at a Solution



b) f-mgsinB=ma
fR=Iaplhpa
fR=I(a/r)
f=2/5ma
2/5ma-mgsinB=ma
a=-5/3gsinB

c)f=2/5m(-5/3gsinB)
f= -2/3mgsinB
f/n=mu
mu>-2/3tanB
??
 
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  • #2
pathmaker said:
b) f-mgsinB=ma
fR=Iaplhpa
fR=I(a/r)
f=2/5ma
2/5ma-mgsinB=ma
a=-5/3gsinB
Careful with signs: The acceleration is down the incline.
 
  • #3
so a = 5/7gsinB
is that the same as it the ball was moving down the ramp?
 
  • #4
Yep.
 
  • #5
thanks
 

Related to Acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp

1. What factors affect the acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp?

The acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp is affected by several factors, including the angle of the ramp, the mass of the sphere, and the coefficient of friction between the ramp and the sphere.

2. How does the angle of the ramp affect the acceleration of a rolling sphere?

The steeper the angle of the ramp, the greater the acceleration of the rolling sphere. This is because a steeper ramp creates a greater force of gravity, which pulls the sphere downward and causes it to accelerate more quickly.

3. Why does the mass of the sphere affect its acceleration up a ramp?

The mass of the sphere affects its acceleration because it determines the amount of force needed to move the sphere up the ramp. A heavier sphere requires more force to overcome its inertia and accelerate up the ramp compared to a lighter sphere.

4. How does friction impact the acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp?

Friction between the ramp and the sphere acts in the opposite direction of motion and can slow down the acceleration of the sphere. The higher the coefficient of friction, the greater the resistance to motion and the slower the acceleration.

5. Can the acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp ever be greater than the acceleration due to gravity?

No, the acceleration of a rolling sphere up a ramp can never be greater than the acceleration due to gravity. This is because the acceleration due to gravity is the maximum possible acceleration for an object moving under the influence of gravity alone. However, the acceleration of the sphere up the ramp can approach the acceleration due to gravity if the ramp is steep enough and friction is negligible.

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