Rigid-body rotation worksheet with answers

Free printable Rigid-body rotation worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
k = 0.45 m0 → 1300 rpm110 kg

A flywheel of mass 110 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.45 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 1300 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 190 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 110 kgk = 0.45 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 1300 rpmT = 190 N·m
t = s
2.Easy
L = 0.7 mGOd = 0.25 mm = 1 kg

A uniform slender rod of mass 1 kg and length 0.7 m rotates about an axis O perpendicular to the rod, 0.25 m from its centre G. Find its mass moment of inertia IO about that axis.

m = 1 kgL = 0.7 md = 0.25 m
IO = kg·m²
3.Medium
6.5 kgaαM = 12 kgR = 0.4 m

A 6.5 kg block hangs from a light cord wrapped around a pulley, a uniform solid disc of mass 12 kg and radius 0.4 m that turns on a frictionless horizontal axle. The block is released from rest. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the angular acceleration α of the pulley.

m = 6.5 kgM = 12 kgR = 0.4 mg = 9.81 m/s²
α = rad/s²
4.Medium
L = 1.3 mm = 15.5 kgα

A uniform slender rod of mass 15.5 kg and length 1.3 m is pinned at one end and held horizontal. It is released from rest. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the acceleration atip of the free end just after release.

m = 15.5 kgL = 1.3 mg = 9.81 m/s²
atip = m/s²
5.Hard
θ = 35°a

A solid sphere rolls without slipping down a slope inclined at 35° to the horizontal. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the smallest coefficient of static friction μs that prevents it from slipping.

θ = 35°I = (2/5)·m·r²g = 9.81 m/s²
μs =
6.Hard
θ = 40°a

A hollow sphere rolls without slipping down a slope inclined at 40° to the horizontal. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the smallest coefficient of static friction μs that prevents it from slipping.

θ = 40°I = (2/3)·m·r²g = 9.81 m/s²
μs =

Answer key

  1. 1. t = 15.96 s
  2. 2. IO = 0.1033 kg·m²
  3. 3. α = 12.75 rad/s²
  4. 4. atip = 14.71 m/s²
  5. 5. μs = 0.2001
  6. 6. μs = 0.3356

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