Chapter 11, Problem 33A

Using the ideas of torque and center of gravity, explain why a ball rolls down a hill.

To determine

To Explain:The way a ball rolls down a hill on basis of torque and center of gravity.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The center of gravity of a body is the point where the sum of all the forces that are acting on a body will be equal to zero. Torque is the rotational analog of force. Torque tends to rotate a body.

A ball’s center of gravity does not lie above the point of support when it is on an inclined plane. The weight acts at a distance away from this point of support like a fulcrum. This generates torque and causes the ball to rotate.