A ball rolls down a hill mainly because of:
a. an unbalanced torque
b. an unbalanced force
c. its rotational inertia
d. angular momentum
I think it is d - but I am unsure. Any advice?
im apologize, i forgot to put the answer choices. They are:
a. an unbalanced torque
b. an unbalanced force
c. its rotational inertia
d. angular momentum
This question really confuses me. Isn't it because the center of gravity for the ball is not over it's base support when on an incline? That is not an answer choice so I am not sure what is correct.
"......because the center of gravity for the ball is not over it's base support when on an incline? ...."
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That is just saying that there is an unbalanced torques :)
thank you so much. I suppose I did understand it, just looking at it from the wrong perspective.
Yes, if it were a block sliding you would have said b - an unbalanced force
To determine the main reason why a ball rolls down a hill, we need to consider the forces and motions involved.
One important concept to understand is that an object will generally roll if there is an unbalanced force acting on it, causing it to move in a particular direction.
In this case, as the ball rolls down a hill, it is subject to the force of gravity, which acts vertically downwards. To identify the correct answer choice, we need to consider which of the options represents an unbalanced force.
- Choice a. An unbalanced torque: Torque is the rotational equivalent of force, and while it can influence an object's rotation, it is not directly related to the ball's linear motion down the hill.
- Choice b. An unbalanced force: This is a likely candidate, as an unbalanced force can cause a ball to roll. However, let's examine the other options to ensure we make an accurate choice.
- Choice c. Its rotational inertia: Rotational inertia refers to an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. While it plays a role in the ball's overall rolling motion, it is not the main reason why the ball rolls down the hill.
- Choice d. Angular momentum: Angular momentum is a property of rotating objects and is not directly related to the ball's linear motion down the hill.
Based on the analysis above, choice b. an unbalanced force is the most accurate answer. The force of gravity acting on the ball while it is on the slope of the hill creates an unbalanced force, causing the ball to roll downward.