Rolling Motion Simulation

Rolling evidenceLive observation

A wheel moves forward while rotating around its center.

Center speed0.00 m/s

Angular speed0.00 rad/s

Slip speed0.00 m/s

StateAt rest

Rolling Motion LaboratoryPaused

ModeStudent

What is rolling motion?

A wheel translates and rotates together. The bright marker shows its rotation while the wheel center travels down the ramp. Grip determines whether the contact point slips.

Gravity pulls the wheel along the ramp.
Friction produces rotation.
Compare center speed with rim speed.

Ramp controls

Sound

Rolling body

Ramp angle18°

Wheel radius0.35 m

Mass2.0 kg

Static grip coefficient0.60

Simulation speed1×

Motion analysis

Distance down ramp0.00 m

Acceleration2.02 m/s²

Rotational inertia0.123 kg·m²

Grip needed0.108

Camera and focus

Drag the scene to pan. Tap the wheel, rim marker, or ramp contact to inspect it.

Energy history

Teacher demonstrations

Guided visual lecture

Chapter 1 of 80%

Ready. The first ten seconds define rolling motion visually.

Language

Narrator

Playback speed1×

Embedded narration plays through this tab for external screen recording.

1. Rolling means moving and turning

Watch: The center advances while a bright rim point circles.

Chapters

Rolling motion formulas

No-slip condition: v = ωR

Moment of inertia: I = kmR², where k is 1 for a hoop, 1/2 for a disk, and 2/5 for a solid sphere.

Ideal acceleration: a = g sin(θ) / (1 + k)

Energy without loss: mgh = 1/2 mv² + 1/2 Iω²

Minimum static grip: μ_s ≥ [k / (1 + k)] tan(θ)

With slipping, kinetic friction acts at the contact point and turns some mechanical energy into heat. This model treats the wheel and ramp as rigid.

Learning objectives

Identify translation and rotation in the same motion.
Use v = ωR for rolling without slipping.
Compare a hoop, disk, and solid sphere.
Explain how friction affects slipping and energy.

Suggested investigations

Run each shape at the same angle and compare acceleration.
Reduce grip until the rim marker slides at contact.
Increase radius while comparing v and ω.
Use Step Forward to inspect the contact point.

Questions for exploration

Why does the solid sphere reach the bottom first?
Can static friction act when there is no slipping?
What happens to mechanical energy during a slide?

Teacher whiteboard

Draw with finger, stylus, mouse, Android device, or smart board. Ten full-size pages keep their own markings.

Pen color

Line width4

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Knowledge check

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