Two objects, a solid sphere and a thin hoop, each of mass and radius , are released…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems · Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Problem
Two objects, a solid sphere and a thin hoop, each of mass M and radius R, are released simultaneously from rest at the same height on identical rough wooden ramps. In each case the object rolls without slipping for the entire descent. Air resistance is negligible.
(a) Indicate which object reaches the bottom first, and justify your answer qualitatively in terms of the physical properties of the two objects.
(b) At the instant each object reaches the bottom, describe how its total kinetic energy is partitioned between translational and rotational forms. Explain how the difference in mass distribution between the sphere and the hoop leads to any contrast you identify.