A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of the same mass and radius are rolling down an incline. Which one will reach the bottom first? (2021)

1 question

1 item

Q: A solid sphere and a hollow sphere of the same mass and radius are rolling down an incline. Which one will reach the bottom first? (2021)

Solution: The solid sphere has a smaller moment of inertia compared to the hollow sphere, allowing it to accelerate faster down the incline.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that both spheres have the same mass and radius.
Step 2: Know that when objects roll down an incline, their shape affects how they move.
Step 3: Learn about moment of inertia, which is a measure of how difficult it is to change an object's rotation.
Step 4: Realize that the solid sphere has a smaller moment of inertia than the hollow sphere.
Step 5: Understand that a smaller moment of inertia means the solid sphere can rotate more easily and accelerate faster.
Step 6: Conclude that because the solid sphere accelerates faster, it will reach the bottom of the incline first.