# An experiment to address conceptual difficulties in slipping and rolling problems

## TL;DR

This study uses video analysis to investigate the kinematics of a spinning bicycle wheel in contact with a rough surface, aiming to clarify conceptual difficulties in slipping and rolling problems.

## Contribution

It introduces an empirical video analysis method to better understand wheel motion, aiding in overcoming conceptual challenges in mechanics education.

## Key findings

- Velocity vectors of wheel points were obtained in different frames.
- Complete kinematic picture of the wheel was established.
- Empirical approach helps clarify slipping and rolling concepts.

## Abstract

A bicycle wheel that was initially spinning freely was placed in contact with a rough surface and a digital film was made of its motion. Using Tracker software for video analysis, we obtained the velocity vectors for several points on the wheel, in the frame of reference of the laboratory as well as in a relative frame of reference having as its origin the wheel`s center of mass. The velocity of the wheel`s point of contact with the floor was also determined obtaining then a complete picture of the kinematic state of the wheel in both frames of reference. An empirical approach of this sort to problems in mechanics can contribute to overcoming the considerable difficulties they entail.