Read each statement below carefully, and state, with reasons, if it is true or false;
(a) During rolling, the force of friction acts in the same direction as the direction of motion of the CM of the body.
(b) The instantaneous speed of the point of contact during rolling is zero.
(c) The instantaneous acceleration of the point of contact during rolling is zero.
(d) For perfect rolling motion, work done against friction is zero.
(e) A wheel moving down a perfectly frictionless inclined plane will undergo slipping (not rolling) motion.
(a) False
Frictional force acts opposite to the direction of motion of the centre of mass of a body. In the case of rolling, the direction of motion of the centre of mass is backward. Hence, frictional force acts in the forward direction.
(b) True
Rolling can be considered as the rotation of a body about an axis passing through the point of contact of the body with the ground. Hence, its instantaneous speed is zero.
(c) False
When a body is rolling, its instantaneous acceleration is not equal to zero. It has some value.
(d) True
When perfect rolling begins, the frictional force acting at the lowermost point becomes zero. Hence, the work done against friction is also zero.
(e) True
The rolling of a body occurs when a frictional force acts between the body and the surface. This frictional force provides the torque necessary for rolling. In the absence of a frictional force, the body slips from the inclined plane under the effect of its own weight.