When a solid cylinder rolls up an incline, its total initial kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy at the highest point.
Total kinetic energy of a rolling solid cylinder:
K=Ktrans+Krot=21mv2+21Iω2
For a solid cylinder, moment of inertia I=21mr2. In pure rolling, ω=rv.
K=21mv2+21(21mr2)(rv)2=21mv2+41mv2=43mv2
Let the distance travelled along the incline be s. The vertical height reached is h=ssin30∘.
By conservation of mechanical energy:
mgh=43mv2
mgssin30∘=43mv2
s=4gsin30∘3v2
Substitute the given values (v=4 m/s, g=10 m/s2, sin30∘=0.5):
s=4×10×0.53×(4)2=203×16=2048=2.4 m.