2
votes
1answer
112 views

Angular momentum conservation while internal frictional torque is present

So this appears in a problem which looks simple enough in its context; It's something like this: Two discs, A and B, are mounted coaxially on a vertical axle. The discs have moments of inertia $I$ ...
6
votes
0answers
100 views

What determines the angle of the cushion on a pool table?

If you look at the cushions (bumpers) on a pool table, you'll see that they're not vertical. They're tilted inwards. About 10 years ago, I came across a physics exam in which one of the problems ...
2
votes
1answer
82 views

Approximating Rolling/Sliding in 2D Shape

I'm trying to find more information on how a 2D shape (could be defined by a function, such as ellipse, or by a polygon) will roll across a surface. The shape could be nearly circular or quite ...
2
votes
1answer
265 views

How does the resistance force on a rolling ball depend on the ball radius?

A billiard ball set gently rolling on a billiard table slows and stops, because it is decelerated by resistance forces at the contact between the ball and table. I expect the magnitude of the ...
1
vote
1answer
164 views

What controls whether a ball will skid or roll?

A billard ball is struck with a cue. The line of action of the applied impulse is horizontal and passes through the center of the ball. The initial velocity $v_0$ of the ball, its radius $R$, its mass ...
2
votes
3answers
138 views

Effect of surface treatment on fair dice

If I have a perfectly balanced and thus fair cubic die, then polish 3 adjacent faces (so that their coefficient of friction is effectively zero) and roughen the remaining faces (so that their ...