Two spheres look identical and have the same mass. However, one is hollow and the other is solid. Describe in detail an experiment you could conduct to determine which is which (say which has more rotational inertia for example and why)

Question

Physics

Addison Stout

6 September, 10:25

Two spheres look identical and have the same mass. However, one is hollow and the other is solid. Describe in detail an experiment you could conduct to determine which is which (say which has more rotational inertia for example and why)

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Answers (1)

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Abbey Lewis · Answer 1

Put the two solid spheres on an inclined plane. Use a meter-stick to hold the spheres on the plane. Release the two spheres at the same time and let down roll down. Observe the two spheres as they roll down and repeat the steps. The hollow sphere will roll last while the solid sphere will roll first. The hollow sphere has more rotational inertia than the solid sphere. This is because the mass of the hollow sphere is distributed farther from its center of gravity.

Explanation:

The description of the experiment for the two spheres is given below:

1. Put the two solid spheres on an inclined plane.

2. Use a meter-stick to hold the spheres on the plane.

3. Release the two spheres at the same time and let down roll down.

4. Observe the two spheres as they roll down and repeat the steps.

5. The hollow sphere will roll last while the solid sphere will roll first. The hollow sphere has more rotational inertia than the solid sphere. This is because the mass of the hollow sphere is distributed farther from its center of gravity.