Ball rolling on an inclined plane.

This is a follow-up to the question badreferences asked 2 months ago.
http://openstudy.com/study?login#/updates/4f42fe64e4b065f388dc742a
The answer was given by JamesJ with a very elegant method, using dynamics (effect of forces and torques).

Another very elegant method of solving mechanics problems is to use energy instead of forces.

So, can you find the acceleration of a solid ball, rolling on an inclined plane (α to the horizontal), using an energetic method?

Question

Ball rolling on an inclined plane.

This is a follow-up to the question badreferences asked 2 months ago.
http://openstudy.com/study?login#/updates/4f42fe64e4b065f388dc742a
The answer was given by JamesJ with a very elegant method, using dynamics (effect of forces and torques).

Another very elegant method of solving mechanics problems is to use energy instead of forces.

So, can you find the acceleration of a solid ball, rolling on an inclined plane (α to the horizontal), using an energetic method?

vincent-lyon.fr · Answer

Ball is solid sphere of centre C, radius R, mass M and moment of inertia about diameter $I_C=\Large \frac{2}{5}\normalsize MR^2$. It rolls without slipping on the plane.

anonymous · Answer

Hmmm. Do you write down the total energy of the system. Now that has to remain constant. And you differentiate it w.r.t. time?

vincent-lyon.fr · Answer

Exactly

anonymous · Answer

Nice. Never thought of that way. Thanks!!