A solid cylinder and a hollow cylinder of the same mass and radius are released
Practice Questions
Q1
A solid cylinder and a hollow cylinder of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one will have a greater speed at the bottom?
Solid cylinder
Hollow cylinder
Both have the same speed
Depends on the mass
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A solid cylinder and a hollow cylinder of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one will have a greater speed at the bottom?
Correct Answer: Solid cylinder
Step 1: Understand that both cylinders are released from the same height and have the same mass and radius.
Step 2: Know that when they roll down, they convert potential energy into kinetic energy.
Step 3: Recognize that kinetic energy has two parts: translational (movement) and rotational (spinning).
Step 4: The solid cylinder has a smaller moment of inertia, which means it spins more easily compared to the hollow cylinder.
Step 5: Since the solid cylinder can convert more of its potential energy into translational kinetic energy, it will move faster.
Step 6: Conclude that the solid cylinder will have a greater speed at the bottom than the hollow cylinder.
Moment of Inertia – The moment of inertia determines how mass is distributed in an object and affects its rotational motion.
Conservation of Energy – The total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) is conserved in the absence of non-conservative forces.
Rolling Motion – Objects rolling down an incline convert potential energy into both translational and rotational kinetic energy.
