A disc and a sphere of same radius but different masses roll off on two inclined planes of the same altitude and length. Which one of the two objects gets to the bottom of the plane first?
- Both reach at the same time
- Depends on their masses
- Disc
- Sphere
Answer
(4) Sphere
Solution
For a body rolling without slipping down an incline of angle :
a = g 1 + k2R2 (independent of mass)
Disc: k2R2 = 12 ⇒ adisc = 23g
Solid sphere: k2R2 = 25 ⇒ asphere = 57g
∵ 57 > 23, the sphere has the larger acceleration on the same length
∴ The sphere reaches the bottom first.
Answer: (4)