Three identical uniform cylinders are released from the same height on different…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Problem
Three identical uniform cylinders are released from the same height on different tracks that meet at the same bottom point.
• Track A is covered with a very smooth coating so that the cylinder slides without rolling.
• Track B is rough enough for pure rolling to occur throughout.
• Track C is initially smooth for half its length and then suddenly changes to the same rough surface as Track B for the second half.
Ignore air resistance.
(a) For each track, describe how the forms of mechanical energy present in the cylinder change, if at all, as it moves from the top to the bottom.
(b) Rank the cylinders according to the magnitude of their translational speed when they reach the bottom. Use ``>'' or ``="" between symbols A, B, and C to indicate clearly any ties.
(c) Provide a qualitative explanation for your ranking in part (b), explicitly addressing the role of kinetic friction on each track.