Work and Energy Calculation for a Rolling Hoop in a Circus Performance

What is the distance along the incline that the hoop rolls in a circus performance scenario?

The hoop rolls a distance of approximately 2.98 m along the incline.

Calculating the Distance the Hoop Rolls Along the Incline

The distance the hoop rolls along the incline can be calculated using the concept of work and energy. Since the hoop is rolling without slipping, its kinetic energy can be expressed as the sum of its translational kinetic energy and rotational kinetic energy. First, let's calculate the initial kinetic energy of the hoop. The translational kinetic energy is given by 1/2 * mass * velocity^2, and the rotational kinetic energy is given by 1/2 * moment of inertia * (velocity/radius)^2. Since the hoop is a uniform disk, its moment of inertia is (1/2) * mass * radius^2. Next, we need to determine the final kinetic energy of the hoop when it reaches the inclined ramp. As the hoop rolls up the ramp, its translational kinetic energy decreases due to the work done against gravity. At the same time, its rotational kinetic energy increases as it gains rotational speed. The final translational kinetic energy is given by 1/2 * mass * (final velocity)^2, and the final rotational kinetic energy is given by 1/2 * moment of inertia * (final velocity/radius)^2. Since the hoop rolls without slipping, the final translational and rotational velocities are related. We can use the condition of rolling without slipping, v = ω * r, where v is the final translational velocity, ω is the final angular velocity, and r is the radius of the hoop. Rearranging this equation, we can express the final angular velocity as ω = v/r. By equating the initial and final total kinetic energies and substituting the expressions for translational and rotational kinetic energies, we can solve for the final velocity. With the final velocity, we can calculate the distance along the incline by using the equation s = v * t, where t is the time it takes for the hoop to reach the ramp.
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