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Slipping to rolling transition
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A sliding ball begins to roll when v = ωR through kinetic friction.
A ball launched with backspin or sliding on a rough surface experiences kinetic friction until v = ωR, after which it rolls. For a solid sphere the final speed is 5/7 of the initial for pure forward sliding.
A bowling ball released skidding.
Energy is lost during skidding.
In more detail
A body initially sliding while spinning will eventually roll without slipping, as friction changes its translational and rotational velocities until the contact point stops slipping.
Real-world uses
- A thrown bowling ball slides before it starts rolling smoothly.
- Golf balls transition from slipping to rolling after impact.
- A ball thrown along the ground skids at first, then gradually starts to roll as friction speeds up its spin.
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Frequently asked questions
What determines the final velocity?
Conservation of angular momentum about the contact point, together with friction.
Does energy stay constant?
No. Friction dissipates energy during the slipping phase.
How long before the ball rolls?
It rolls once its linear and angular speeds match, which happens after a time set by the friction and the starting conditions.
Related topics in Rotational Motion
Yo-yo and unwinding cylinder · Angular impulse · Static friction in rolling · Bohr angular momentum