Question

A smooth sphere of radius R is made to translate in a straight line with a constant acceleration of 'a' . A particle kept on the top of the sphere is released from there at zero velocity with respect to the sphere.Find the speed of the particle with respect to the sphere as a function of the angle ø it slides.

Answer 1

in the reference frame of the sphere, there are two forces: g(downward gravity) and horizontal inertial force a,

let the particle slide an angle phi, Work done by the two forces=mRasinθ +mRg(1-cosθ)=mv²/2,

v²=2R(asin(phi)+g(1-cos(phi)), v=√(2R(asinø+g(1-cosø)))