The motion of a ball rolling off the edge of a table is studied theoretically and experimentally. A detailed analysis of the motion requires consideration of an initial no-slip phase followed by a brief slipping phase. To obtain quantitative predictions for comparison with experiment, the equations were solved numerically. Data are obtained using video recordings, and the experimentally determined angular velocity before and after the ball leaves the table is compared with the theoretical calculations. The inadequacy of a previous analysis is demonstrated. Suggestions for other experiments are made.
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Available from Pasco Scientific, www. pasco.com.
© 2005 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2005
American Association of Physics Teachers
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