Cylinder race down a ramp

Back to 1Q - Rotational Dynamics
PIRA index: 1Q10.40

Description

The weight and mass distribution of a cylinder influences its moment of inertia and determines the speed at which it will roll down a ramp.

Equipment

• inclined race track
• different cylinders

Instructions

Place the two contestants at the top of the track behind the stopper. Lift the stopper to start the race. Possible match-ups are cylinders with the same mass but different circumference, same circumference but different mass distribution, and same circumference but different mass.

Keywords

incline, plane, ramp, cylinder, race, roll, moment of inertia

Images & Movies

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  Figure1

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  Figure2