Determine the translational speed of the cylinder

In summary, a solid cylinder with mass m, radius r, and rotational inertia 1/2mr2 rolls down an inclined plane starting from rest at height h and making an angle θ with the horizontal. The translational speed of the cylinder when it reaches the bottom of the inclined plane can be calculated using the equation v=√[(4/3)gh]. Another method involves considering the "rolling mass" and "effective gravity" of the cylinder.
  • #1
k-rod AP 2010
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Homework Statement


A solid cylinder w/ mass m, radius r, and rotational inertia 1/25mr2 rolls without slipping down an inclined plane. THe cylinder starts form rest at height h. The inclined plane makes an angle θ w/ the horizontal.Determine the translational speed of the cylinder when it reaches the bottom of the inclined plane.


Homework Equations


v=velocity
ω=angular speed
I=moment of inertia
U=gravitational potential energy
K=Kinetic Energy

The Attempt at a Solution


U=Ktranslational + Krotational

mgh=(1/2mv2) + (1/2Iω2)

mgh=(1/2mv2) + (1/2 (1/2mr2)(v2/r2))

gh=(v2/2) + (v2/4)

gh=(2v2/4) + (v2/4)

gh= (4/3)v2

v2=(4/3)gh

v= √[(4/3)gh] would this be the correct procedure to solve this?
 
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  • #2
hi k-rod AP 2010! :smile:
k-rod AP 2010 said:
A solid cylinder w/ mass m, radius r, and rotational inertia 1/25mr2 rolls without slipping down an inclined plane. THe cylinder starts form rest at height h. The inclined plane makes an angle θ w/ the horizontal.Determine the translational speed of the cylinder when it reaches the bottom of the inclined plane.

v2=(4/3)gh

v= √[(4/3)gh] would this be the correct procedure to solve this?

(i assume you meant rotational inertia 1/2 mr2 ? :wink:)

yes, that's the right method and result! :smile:

(btw, another way is to say the "rolling mass" is I/r2, = m/2, so the total "effective mass" is 3m/2, so the "effective gravity" is 2g/3, so 1/2 mv2 = 2mgh/3 … but i don't think the examiners would like that! :redface:)
 

FAQ: Determine the translational speed of the cylinder

What is the formula for calculating the translational speed of a cylinder?

The formula for calculating translational speed is v = rω, where v is the translational speed, r is the radius of the cylinder, and ω is the angular velocity.

How do you measure the radius of a cylinder for determining translational speed?

The radius of a cylinder can be measured using a ruler or tape measure, by measuring the distance from the center of the cylinder to the edge.

What unit is used to express translational speed?

Translational speed is typically expressed in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

Can the translational speed of a cylinder change?

Yes, the translational speed of a cylinder can change if the angular velocity or radius changes. It can also change if an external force is applied to the cylinder.

How is translational speed different from rotational speed?

Translational speed refers to the linear motion of an object, while rotational speed refers to the circular motion of an object. Translational speed is measured in units of distance per time (m/s or km/h), while rotational speed is measured in units of angle per time (radians per second or revolutions per minute).

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