A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of the same mass and radius are released from
Practice Questions
Q1
A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one will hit the ground first?
Solid sphere
Hollow sphere
Both hit at the same time
Depends on the mass
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one will hit the ground first?
Step 1: Understand that both spheres (solid and hollow) have the same mass and radius.
Step 2: Know that both spheres are released from the same height and start from rest.
Step 3: Learn about moment of inertia, which is a measure of how difficult it is to change the rotation of an object.
Step 4: Realize that the solid sphere has a smaller moment of inertia compared to the hollow sphere.
Step 5: Understand that a smaller moment of inertia means the solid sphere can roll down the incline faster.
Step 6: Conclude that since the solid sphere rolls down faster, it will hit the ground first.
Moment of Inertia – The solid sphere has a smaller moment of inertia compared to the hollow sphere, which affects its acceleration when rolling down an incline.
Rolling Motion – Understanding the dynamics of rolling objects, including the relationship between translational and rotational motion.
Energy Conservation – Both spheres convert potential energy to kinetic energy, but the distribution between translational and rotational kinetic energy differs.