Question Detail
Question
A uniform solid cylinder of mass M and radius R rolls down an inclined plane from a height h, starting from rest. Assuming no slipping, what is the total kinetic energy of the cylinder at the bottom of the incline?
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
By conservation of energy, the gravitational potential energy lost (Mgh) is converted entirely into kinetic energy. Since the cylinder starts from rest, its total kinetic energy at the bottom must equal the initial potential energy Mgh. This total kinetic energy is the sum of its translational and rotational kinetic energies.
Hint
Consider the principle of conservation of mechanical energy for an object rolling down an incline without slipping.