Past exam of the physics course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2012 / Paper 1 / Section B / B7 / Solution

Let $s$ increase down the ramp. On a plane, static friction $F$ acts uphill. Translation and rotation giveWith $I=2m{a}^2/5$, elimination yields $\ddot{s}=(5/7)g\sin \theta$. Static friction does no work at the stationary contact point.

For a sphere rolling in a symmetric groove, the distance from the centre to the instantaneous contact axis AB is $h=a\sin (\varphi /2)$, so $v=h\omega$. The kinetic energy and work-energy equation areHenceFor the stated angles this is $5g/18$. Using $g=9.81\mathrm{m}{\mathrm{s}}^{-2}$ and a one-second descent,On the level floor the rolling radius becomes $a$, so an energy-preserving change of rolling radius gives $K_g=\frac{7}{10}m{v}_f^2$. ThereforeThe floor speed exceeds the groove speed because less of the same total kinetic energy is rotational. Holding the translational speed fixed at the transition would violate the stipulated energy balance with the new no-slip constraint.