Rotational Kinetic Energy

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AP Physics C: Mechanics › Rotational Kinetic Energy

Questions 1 - 10
1

A solid disk and a spoked wheel have the same mass $$M$$ and the same outer radius $$R$$. Both are accelerated from rest to the same final angular velocity $$\omega$$. Which object has more rotational kinetic energy, and why?

The solid disk, because its mass is more uniformly distributed, leading to a more efficient rotation.

The spoked wheel, because more of its mass is located at a larger radius, giving it a larger rotational inertia.

They have the same rotational kinetic energy, because the work required to accelerate them is the same.

They have the same rotational kinetic energy, because their mass, radius, and angular velocity are identical.

Explanation

Rotational kinetic energy is $$K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2$$. Since both objects have the same mass $$M$$ and are accelerated to the same angular velocity $$\omega$$, the one with the larger rotational inertia $$I$$ will have more kinetic energy. Rotational inertia depends on how mass is distributed relative to the axis of rotation. The spoked wheel has most of its mass concentrated at the outer radius, while the solid disk's mass is distributed throughout. Therefore, the spoked wheel has a larger rotational inertia and thus more rotational kinetic energy.

2

A uniform rod of length $$L$$ and mass $$M$$ is pivoted at one end and released from a horizontal position. What is its rotational kinetic energy when it reaches the vertical position? The rotational inertia of a rod about its end is $$I = \frac{1}{3}ML^2$$. Use $$g$$ for the acceleration due to gravity.

$$MgL/4$$

$$MgL$$

$$MgL/3$$

$$MgL/2$$

Explanation

This is a conservation of energy problem. The center of mass of the rod is at $$L/2$$ from the pivot. When the rod is released from a horizontal position, its center of mass falls a vertical distance of $$L/2$$. The change in gravitational potential energy is $$\Delta U_g = Mg(L/2)$$. This potential energy is converted into rotational kinetic energy. Therefore, the rotational kinetic energy at the vertical position is $$K_{rot} = MgL/2$$.

3

A thin hoop of mass $$M$$ and radius $$R$$ rolls without slipping on a horizontal surface. Its rotational inertia is $$I = MR^2$$. What fraction of its total kinetic energy is rotational kinetic energy?

$$1/3$$

$$1/2$$

$$2/3$$

$$1/4$$

Explanation

The total kinetic energy is $$K_{total} = K_{trans} + K_{rot}$$. For a hoop rolling without slipping ($$v=R\omega$$), $$K_{trans} = \frac{1}{2}Mv^2$$ and $$K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2 = \frac{1}{2}(MR^2)(\frac{v}{R})^2 = \frac{1}{2}Mv^2$$. So, $$K_{total} = \frac{1}{2}Mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}Mv^2 = Mv^2$$. The fraction that is rotational is $$\frac{K_{rot}}{K_{total}} = \frac{\frac{1}{2}Mv^2}{Mv^2} = \frac{1}{2}$$.

4

A solid ball starts from rest at height $$H$$ on an incline and rolls without slipping to the bottom. It then encounters a second, frictionless incline. What is the maximum vertical height $$H'$$ the ball reaches on the second incline?

$$H'$$ is equal to $$H$$.

$$H'$$ is greater than $$H$$.

$$H'$$ is less than $$H$$.

The relationship between $$H'$$ and $$H$$ depends on the ball's mass.

Explanation

On the first incline, the initial potential energy $$MgH$$ is converted into both translational and rotational kinetic energy. At the bottom, $$MgH = K_{trans} + K_{rot}$$. On the second, frictionless incline, the ball will slide, not roll. The rotational motion will continue at a constant angular velocity (as there are no tangential forces or torques), so the rotational kinetic energy is not converted back into potential energy. Only the translational kinetic energy is converted into potential energy, $$K_{trans} = MgH'$$. Since $$K_{trans} < MgH$$, it follows that $$H' < H$$.

5

A point mass $$m$$ is moving in a circle of radius $$R$$ with a constant speed $$v$$. Its rotational kinetic energy about the center of the circle is $$K_{rot}$$. Which expression correctly relates $$K_{rot}$$ to its translational kinetic energy, $$K_{trans} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$$?

$$K_{rot} = K_{trans} / R$$

$$K_{rot} = 0$$ since it is a point mass.

$$K_{rot} = R \cdot K_{trans}$$

$$K_{rot} = K_{trans}$$

Explanation

For a point mass $$m$$ at radius $$R$$, the rotational inertia is $$I = mR^2$$. The angular velocity is $$\omega = v/R$$. The rotational kinetic energy is $$K_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2 = \frac{1}{2}(mR^2)(\frac{v}{R})^2 = \frac{1}{2}mR^2(\frac{v^2}{R^2}) = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$$. This is identical to the expression for translational kinetic energy, so $$K_{rot} = K_{trans}$$.

6

The rotational kinetic energy of a rigid body is calculated using the expression $$\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2$$. Given that the SI unit for rotational inertia $$I$$ is kg⋅m² and for angular velocity $$\omega$$ is rad/s, what are the fundamental SI units for rotational kinetic energy? Note that the radian is a dimensionless unit.

$$\text{kg} \cdot \text{m} \cdot \text{s}^{-1}$$

$$\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \cdot \text{s}^{-2}$$

$$\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^{-1} \cdot \text{s}^{-2}$$

$$\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \cdot \text{s}^{-1}$$

Explanation

The units can be found by substituting the units of $$I$$ and $$\omega$$ into the expression. The unit for $$I$$ is $$\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2$$. The unit for $$\omega$$ is $$\text{rad/s}$$. Since the radian is dimensionless, the unit for $$\omega$$ is effectively $$\text{s}^{-1}$$. Squaring this gives $$\text{s}^{-2}$$. Multiplying the units gives $$(\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2) \cdot(\text{s}^{-2}) = \text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2 \cdot \text{s}^{-2}$$. This is the unit for energy, the Joule.

7

A rigid body is both translating with its center of mass moving at speed $$v_{cm}$$ and rotating with angular speed $$\omega$$. Which of the following statements provides the most fundamental definition of its total kinetic energy?

The work required to bring the body from rest to its current state of motion, assuming no dissipative forces.

The sum of the kinetic energies, $$\frac{1}{2}m_i v_i^2$$, of all the individual particles that constitute the rigid body.

The kinetic energy of a point mass with the same total mass moving at the speed of the fastest point on the body.

The sum of the translational kinetic energy $$\frac{1}{2}Mv_{cm}^2$$ and the rotational kinetic energy $$\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2$$.

Explanation

The most fundamental definition of the kinetic energy of any system of particles, including a rigid body, is the scalar sum of the kinetic energies of all its constituent particles. The formula $$K_{total} = \frac{1}{2}Mv_{cm}^2 + \frac{1}{2}I_{cm}\omega^2$$ is a convenient result derived from this fundamental definition for the special case of a rigid body. The work-energy theorem (D) relates work to the change in kinetic energy but is not the definition of kinetic energy itself.

8

Based on the scenario, calculate the flywheel’s rotational kinetic energy for $I=0.80\ \text{kg·m}^2$ and $\omega=50\ \text{rad/s}$.

$1000\ \text{J}$

$800\ \text{J}$

$2000\ \text{N·m}$

$1250\ \text{J}$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C understanding of rotational kinetic energy in rotating systems. Rotational kinetic energy is calculated using the formula K_rot = (1/2)Iω², where I is the moment of inertia and ω is the angular velocity. In this scenario, we have a flywheel with I = 0.80 kg·m² and ω = 50 rad/s. Choice B is correct because K_rot = (1/2)(0.80)(50)² = (1/2)(0.80)(2500) = 1000 J. Choice D is incorrect because it has the wrong units (N·m instead of J), though numerically it might seem plausible. To help students: Emphasize that rotational kinetic energy has units of joules, not newton-meters (though they are dimensionally equivalent). Practice substituting values carefully and checking units throughout calculations.

9

Based on the scenario, determine $I$ for $K_\text{rot}=125\ \text{J}$ when $\omega=10\ \text{rad/s}$.

$2.50\ \text{kg·m}^2$

$0.80\ \text{kg·m}^2$

$1.25\ \text{kg·m}^2$

$25\ \text{kg·m}^2$

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C understanding of rotational kinetic energy in rotating systems. Rotational kinetic energy is calculated using the formula K_rot = (1/2)Iω², which we rearrange to solve for I: I = 2K_rot/ω². In this scenario, we need to find I when K_rot = 125 J and ω = 10 rad/s. Choice C is correct because I = 2(125)/(10)² = 250/100 = 2.50 kg·m². Choice B is incorrect as it represents half the correct value, likely from forgetting to multiply by 2 when rearranging the formula. To help students: When solving for I, remember that the rearranged formula includes a factor of 2 in the numerator. Practice dimensional analysis to verify your algebraic manipulations.

10

Based on the scenario, if a disk’s angular velocity doubles, what happens to its rotational kinetic energy?

It doubles.

It quadruples.

It halves.

It remains constant.

Explanation

This question tests AP Physics C understanding of rotational kinetic energy in rotating systems. Rotational kinetic energy is calculated using the formula K_rot = (1/2)Iω², where I is the moment of inertia and ω is the angular velocity. In this scenario, we examine what happens when angular velocity doubles while moment of inertia remains constant. Choice C is correct because when ω doubles, ω² becomes four times larger, making K_rot quadruple since K_rot is proportional to ω². Choice B is incorrect because it assumes a linear relationship between K_rot and ω, missing the squared term. To help students: Emphasize the quadratic relationship between rotational kinetic energy and angular velocity. Use graphical representations to show how K_rot varies with ω².

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