9.10 Conservation of Energy: Translations and Rotations Pool Ball/Rail Collision |
| Instructions: Click on the "Start Simulation" button to open the applet window. The applet starts automatically. Wait until the ball comes to a full stop before making any changes. You may change the initial velocity, the rail height and the coefficient of kinetic friction between the ball and the table by using the slide bars. I suggest that you change one parameter at a time. A graph of the total mechanical energy, the enrgy of motion of the center of mass and the rotational energy relative to the center of mass as a function of time is shown at the bottom of the applet. Arbitrary units (a.u.) are used. Navigation: You can come back to this window by pressing the "Close Simulation" button on the bottom frame of the utility. |
| Explanation: As discussed in section 9.10, the total mechanical energy is equal the sum of the rotational and translational kinetic energies. The effect of the impulse exerted by the rail depends on the position where it hits the ball. Along with the change in linear momentum, the force excerted by the rail can result in a torque, affecting the angular momentum of the ball. This simulation is a perfect example of how a seemingly simple motion is actually quite intricate. |
| Source: Thomas E. Wilson and Theron T. Trout Go to the web site and link to the Online Library for further information. |