Math Problem Statement

A solid cylinder, solid sphere, and a thin-walled hollow cylinder, each with the same mass and radius, roll without slipping with angular speeds ω1, ω2, and ω3, respectively. If they have the same angular momentum about an axis through their center of mass, which of the following statements is true?

Solution

This problem involves comparing the angular speeds (ω1,ω2,ω3\omega_1, \omega_2, \omega_3) of three rolling objects: a solid cylinder, a solid sphere, and a thin-walled hollow cylinder, all having the same mass, radius, and angular momentum about their center of mass.

Key Concepts:

  1. Angular Momentum: L=IωL = I \omega, where II is the moment of inertia and ω\omega is the angular velocity.
  2. Moments of inertia for the objects:
    • Solid Cylinder: I=12mR2I = \frac{1}{2} m R^2
    • Solid Sphere: I=25mR2I = \frac{2}{5} m R^2
    • Thin-walled Hollow Cylinder: I=mR2I = m R^2
  3. Since the angular momentum (LL) is the same for all three objects, the relationship between ω\omega and II is ω=LI\omega = \frac{L}{I}.

Step-by-Step Analysis:

  • The object with the largest moment of inertia will have the smallest angular velocity (ω\omega), and vice versa, since ω\omega is inversely proportional to II.

Compare Moments of Inertia:

  • Isolid sphere=25mR2I_{\text{solid sphere}} = \frac{2}{5} m R^2 (Smallest)
  • Isolid cylinder=12mR2I_{\text{solid cylinder}} = \frac{1}{2} m R^2 (Middle)
  • Ihollow cylinder=mR2I_{\text{hollow cylinder}} = m R^2 (Largest)

Thus: ωhollow cylinder<ωsolid cylinder<ωsolid sphere\omega_{\text{hollow cylinder}} < \omega_{\text{solid cylinder}} < \omega_{\text{solid sphere}} or equivalently: ω3<ω1<ω2\omega_3 < \omega_1 < \omega_2

Correct Answer:

The correct option is: ω3<ω1<ω2\boxed{\omega_3 < \omega_1 < \omega_2}

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or details! Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How does the moment of inertia depend on the shape of an object?
  2. What happens to angular velocity if the mass or radius of the objects changes?
  3. How does angular momentum conservation apply in this scenario?
  4. Can you explain why the thin-walled hollow cylinder has the largest moment of inertia?
  5. How would rolling friction affect the angular velocities of these objects?

Tip: When solving rotational dynamics problems, always consider the relationship between moment of inertia and angular velocity—they are often inversely related!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rotational Dynamics
Moment of Inertia
Angular Momentum

Formulas

Angular momentum: L = I * ω
Moment of inertia of a solid cylinder: I = (1/2) * m * R^2
Moment of inertia of a solid sphere: I = (2/5) * m * R^2
Moment of inertia of a thin-walled hollow cylinder: I = m * R^2

Theorems

Relationship between moment of inertia and angular velocity for a given angular momentum

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Physics or Advanced Math)