Rolling Motion (No-Slip) – AP Physics C | ShowMeClass

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Rolling Motion (No-Slip)

AP Physics C · Unit 5: Rotation

Learning Objectives

Apply no-slip condition: v_cm = Rω

Derive rolling acceleration down an incline

Split energy: KE = ½mv² + ½Iω²

Compare rolling speeds for different shapes

Key Equations

Race Result

On an incline, objects with smaller c (I = cMR²) roll faster:

🥇 Solid sphere c=0.4
🥈 Solid cylinder c=0.5
🥉 Hollow sphere c=0.667
4th Hollow cylinder c=1.0

Mass and radius don't matter!

RollingNo-SlipInclineAP Physics C

v =—

ω =—

a =—

KE_t =—

ENERGY vs DISTANCE

Object Shape

Incline Angle θ (°) 20

Mass M (kg) 2.0

Radius R (m) 0.15

Ramp Length (m) 3.0

Speed 1×

Display

Rolling Analysis

📝 Quick Quiz▼

1. The no-slip condition states:

v = ωR v = ω/R v = Rα v = R/ω

2. Which reaches the bottom of a ramp first?

Hollow cylinder Solid sphere Hollow sphere They all tie

3. For a rolling solid cylinder, KE_rot / KE_total =

½ ⅓ ¼ ⅔