Curiosity on conservation of energy

In summary: The "Work-Energy" theorem states that the change in the KE of the center of mass of an object is the same as the real work done on the object. This is usually called the "Work-Energy" theorem:$$F_{net}\Delta x_{cm}=\Delta (\frac{1}{2}m v_{cm}^2)$$
  • #1
terryds
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Imagine a ball rolling down a hill or inclined plane without slipping from a particular height.
The conservation of energy law says that the final energy remains the same as the initial energy.
But, when a ball is rolling without slipping, there must be a friction.
So, what I think is
E = E'
mgh + Ffriction s = (1/2) mv^2 + (1/2) Iω^w

But, in every book I read says that
E = E'
mgh = (1/2) mv^2 + (1/2) Iω^w

Why is there no work done by friction ?
I questioned this since if the ball is not rolling, it must be mgh + Ffriction s = (1/2)mv^2
But, when it's rolling, there is no work done by friction.. Why?
 
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  • #2
terryds said:
...rolling without slipping...

Why is there no work done by friction ?
no slipping -> static friction -> displacement of force application point is zero (in the ground frame) -> no work done
 
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  • #3
The model is assuming that the motion is exhibiting pure roll and that there is no rolling friction (caused by hysteresis). Under these idealized conditions no work is done by friction or internal forces.

Static friction is necessary to develop rolling motion (otherwise it would just slide), but does not transfer any energy.
 
  • #4
A.T. said:
no slipping -> static friction -> displacement of force application point is zero (in the ground frame) -> no work done
brainpushups said:
The model is assuming that the motion is exhibiting pure roll and that there is no rolling friction (caused by hysteresis). Under these idealized conditions no work is done by friction or internal forces.

Static friction is necessary to develop rolling motion (otherwise it would just slide), but does not transfer any energy.

Why the displacement of frictional force is zero ?
Is the tangential velocity at the point where the ball touches the ground zero ?
Why ? It rolls and makes some distance, right ? The tangential velocity is α r , right ? It's not static, right ?
 
  • #5
terryds said:
Why the displacement of frictional force is zero ?
If the contact point doesn't slip, then it must be have the same horizontal velocity as the surface.

terryds said:
Is the tangential velocity at the point where the ball touches the ground zero ?
The tangential velocity is not the total velocity of the contact point in the ground frame. But it is In the frame of the wheel's center, where static friction is indeed doing work.
 
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  • #6
terryds said:
I questioned this since if the ball is not rolling, it must be mgh + Ffriction s = (1/2)mv^2
Just for the record, this remains valid. A more general theorem, of which this is an example, can be written as (at least for constant forces):
$$F_{net}\Delta x_{cm}=\Delta (\frac{1}{2}m v_{cm}^2)$$
Just do not confuse this as a statement of energy conservation, which it is not. Here's something that I wrote in an older thread about this concept, which you might find helpful:
Doc Al said:
If you take a net force acting on an object (like friction) and multiply it by the displacement of the object's center of mass, you get a quantity that looks like a work term but is better called pseudowork (or "center of mass" work)--what it determines is not the real work done on the object, but the change in the KE of the center of mass of the object. This is usually called the "Work-Energy" theorem:

$$F_{net}\Delta x_{cm}=\Delta (\frac{1}{2}m v_{cm}^2)$$
Despite the name, this is really a consequence of Newton's 2nd law, not a statement of energy conservation.

"Real" work is the work that appears in the first law of thermodynamics (conservation of energy) and depends on the details of how the force is applied and the movement of the point of contact.
 

Related to Curiosity on conservation of energy

1. What is conservation of energy?

Conservation of energy is a fundamental principle in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In other words, the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time.

2. How does curiosity play a role in conservation of energy?

Curiosity is essential in understanding and studying conservation of energy. It drives scientists to ask questions, conduct experiments, and develop theories to better understand how energy is conserved in various systems.

3. Why is conservation of energy important?

Conservation of energy is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems. It allows scientists to make accurate calculations and predictions about the energy involved in various processes and to develop technologies that make more efficient use of energy.

4. What are some real-world examples of conservation of energy?

Some examples of conservation of energy in action include a pendulum swinging back and forth, a roller coaster moving along a track, and a light bulb producing light. In each of these cases, energy is transferred from one form to another, but the total amount remains constant.

5. How is conservation of energy related to the law of thermodynamics?

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. This law is closely related to the principle of conservation of energy, as both assert that energy remains constant in a closed system.

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