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 → 800 rpm110 kg

A flywheel of mass 110 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.45 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 800 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 67 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 110 kgk = 0.45 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 800 rpmT = 67 N·m
t = s
2.Easy
k = 0.6 m0 → 1700 rpm80 kg

A flywheel of mass 80 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.6 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 1700 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 570 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 80 kgk = 0.6 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 1700 rpmT = 570 N·m
t = s
3.Medium
n = 1300 rpmP = 65 kW

A shaft transmits 65 kW at 1300 rpm. Find the torque T in the shaft.

P = 65 kWn = 1300 rpm
T = N·m
4.Medium
n = 300 rpmTb​ = 40 N·mI = 22.5 kg·m²

A flywheel with a moment of inertia of 22.5 kg·m² spins at 300 rpm. A brake applies a constant friction torque of 40 N·m. How many revolutions N does the flywheel make before it stops?

I = 22.5 kg·m²n = 300 rpmTb = 40 N·m
N = rev
5.Hard
disc: 17 kgring: 9 kgn1​ = 750 rpm

A uniform solid disc (mass 17 kg, radius 0.4 m) spins freely at 750 rpm about a vertical frictionless shaft. A thin ring of mass 9 kg and the same radius is dropped onto it from rest, centred on the shaft, and the two quickly spin together. How much kinetic energy ΔE is lost in the process?

Mdisc = 17 kgMring = 9 kgR = 0.4 mn1 = 750 rpm
ΔE = J
6.Hard
θ = 30°a

A hollow sphere rolls without slipping down a slope inclined at 30° to the horizontal. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the smallest coefficient of static friction μs that prevents it from slipping.

θ = 30°I = (2/3)·m·r²g = 9.81 m/s²
μs =

Answer key

  1. 1. t = 27.85 s
  2. 2. t = 8.995 s
  3. 3. T = 477.5 N·m
  4. 4. N = 44.18 rev
  5. 5. ΔE = 2157 J
  6. 6. μs = 0.2309

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