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 = 0.4 m600 → 1900 rpm110 kg

A flywheel of mass 110 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.4 m is accelerated uniformly from 600 rpm to 1900 rpm. This takes 21 s. Ignoring friction, find the constant torque T needed.

m = 110 kgk = 0.4 mn1 = 600 rpmn2 = 1900 rpmt = 21 s
T = N·m
2.Easy
k = 0.25 m0 → 800 rpm30 kg

A flywheel of mass 30 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.25 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 800 rpm. This takes 9 s. Ignoring friction, find the constant torque T needed.

m = 30 kgk = 0.25 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 800 rpmt = 9 s
T = N·m
3.Medium
v = ?L = 1 mm = 1 kg

A uniform slender rod of mass 1 kg and length 1 m is pinned at one end and released from rest in a horizontal position. Ignore friction and use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the speed v of the free end as the rod swings through the vertical position.

m = 1 kgL = 1 mg = 9.81 m/s²
v = m/s
4.Medium
3 kgaαM = 9 kgR = 0.1 m

A 3 kg block hangs from a light cord wrapped around a pulley, a uniform solid disc of mass 9 kg and radius 0.1 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 = 3 kgM = 9 kgR = 0.1 mg = 9.81 m/s²
α = rad/s²
5.Hard
8.5 m/sω

A solid cylinder of mass 16.5 kg rolls without slipping at 8.5 m/s. Find its total kinetic energy Ek.

m = 16.5 kgv = 8.5 m/sI = ½·m·r²
Ek = J
6.Hard
1 m/sω

A thin hoop of mass 17.5 kg rolls without slipping at 1 m/s. What percentage p of its total kinetic energy is rotational?

m = 17.5 kgv = 1 m/sI = m·r²
p = %

Answer key

  1. 1. T = 114.1 N·m
  2. 2. T = 17.45 N·m
  3. 3. v = 5.425 m/s
  4. 4. α = 39.24 rad/s²
  5. 5. Ek = 894.1 J
  6. 6. p = 50 %

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