When a ball rolls down an inclined plane , it gains speed because of

In summary, gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth and affects a ball rolling down an inclined plane by causing it to gain speed as it moves down the slope. This is due to the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. The steeper the angle of the inclined plane, the faster the ball will roll down it. Other factors such as the mass and size of the ball and the surface of the inclined plane can also affect its speed. A ball can also roll up an inclined plane if it has enough initial speed and momentum, but gravity will eventually slow it down and cause it to roll back down the slope.
  • #1
alyafey22
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When a ball rolls down an inclined plane , it gains speed because of gravity .When rolling up an inclined plane, it loses speed because of gravity .Why doesn't gravity play a role when it rolls on a horizontal surface ?
 
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  • #2


In an horizontal surface the force of the weight is perpendicular to the displacement so no work against gravity is done if that's what you mean 'gravity doesn't play a role'.
Only work against friction is done.
 

Related to When a ball rolls down an inclined plane , it gains speed because of

1. How does gravity affect a ball rolling down an inclined plane?

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth. When a ball is placed on an inclined plane, gravity pulls it downwards, causing it to gain speed as it rolls down the slope.

2. Why does a ball gain speed when rolling down an inclined plane?

As the ball rolls down the inclined plane, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy due to the force of gravity. This causes the ball to gain speed as it moves towards the bottom of the slope.

3. Does the angle of the inclined plane affect the speed of the rolling ball?

Yes, the steeper the angle of the inclined plane, the faster the ball will roll down it. This is because the force of gravity is acting more directly on the ball, causing it to accelerate more quickly.

4. What other factors besides gravity can affect the speed of a ball rolling down an inclined plane?

The mass and size of the ball, as well as the surface of the inclined plane, can also affect the speed of the rolling ball. A larger and heavier ball will have more inertia and may roll slower, while a smoother surface will result in less friction and a faster rolling speed.

5. Can a ball ever roll up an inclined plane?

Yes, a ball can roll up an inclined plane if it has enough initial speed and momentum. However, gravity will eventually slow it down and it will roll back down the slope.

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