FYKOS Year 30 Series 2 Problem 3 — looping · FYKOS 30 #30.2.3
Physics · mechanics
Problem
We have a plane inclined at an angle α which is smoothly connected to a loop of radius R. What is the minimal initial height h where we have to place a ball of radius r (comparable to R, but smaller), so that the ball will roll through the loop? The ball must be always in contact with the plane or the loop and we assume that the ball does not slip.