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Date May 2019 Marks available 3 Reference code 19M.3.SL.TZ2.9
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone 2
Command term Calculate Question number 9 Adapted from N/A

Question

The moment of inertia of a solid sphere is  I = 2 5 m r 2 where m is the mass of the sphere and r is the radius.

Show that the total kinetic energy Ek of the sphere when it rolls, without slipping, at speed v is  E K = 7 10 m v 2 .

 

[2]
a.

A solid sphere of mass 1.5 kg is rolling, without slipping, on a horizontal surface with a speed of 0.50 m s-1. The sphere then rolls, without slipping, down a ramp to reach a horizontal surface that is 45 cm lower.

Calculate the speed of the sphere at the bottom of the ramp.

[3]
b.

Markscheme

Ek = Ek linear + Ek rotational

OR

E k = 1 2 m v 2 + 1 2 I ω 2   ✔

= 1 2 m v 2 + 1 2 × 2 5 m r 2 × ( v r ) 2  

« = 7 10 m v 2 »

 

Answer is given in the question so check working is correct at each stage.

a.

Initial  E K = 7 10 × 1.50 × 0.5 2 «=0.26J»  ✔

Final  E K = 0.26 + 1.5 × 9.81 × 0.45  «=6.88J»  

v = « 10 7 × 6.88 1.5 = » 2.56 «m s–1»  ✔

 

Other solution methods are possible.

 

b.

Examiners report

The derivation of the formula for the total kinetic energy of a rolling ball was well answered.

a.

Although there were many correct answers, many candidates forgot to include the initial kinetic energy of the ball at the top of the ramp. The process followed to obtain the answer was too often poorly presented, candidates are encouraged to explain what is being calculated rather than just writing numbers.

b.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Engineering physics » Option B: Engineering physics (Core topics) » B.1 – Rigid bodies and rotational dynamics
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Option B: Engineering physics » Option B: Engineering physics (Core topics)
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