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 = 0.15 m0 → 1800 rpm100 kg

A flywheel of mass 100 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.15 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 1800 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 53 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 100 kgk = 0.15 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 1800 rpmT = 53 N·m
t = s
2.Easy
k = 0.15 m0 → 1700 rpm90 kg

A flywheel of mass 90 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.15 m is accelerated uniformly from rest to 1700 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 12 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 90 kgk = 0.15 mn1 = 0 rpmn2 = 1700 rpmT = 12 N·m
t = s
3.Medium
n = 2500 rpmTb​ = 45 N·mI = 18 kg·m²

A flywheel with a moment of inertia of 18 kg·m² spins at 2500 rpm. A brake applies a constant friction torque of 45 N·m. How long t does it take to stop?

I = 18 kg·m²n = 2500 rpmTb = 45 N·m
t = s
4.Medium
n = 600 rpmTb​ = 130 N·mI = 10 kg·m²

A flywheel with a moment of inertia of 10 kg·m² spins at 600 rpm. A brake applies a constant friction torque of 130 N·m. How many revolutions N does the flywheel make before it stops?

I = 10 kg·m²n = 600 rpmTb = 130 N·m
N = rev
5.Hard
8 m/sω

A thin hoop of mass 18 kg rolls without slipping at 8 m/s. Find its total kinetic energy Ek.

m = 18 kgv = 8 m/sI = m·r²
Ek = J
6.Hard
240 m/s30 g0.6 mL = 1 m5.5 kgφ

A uniform slender rod of mass 5.5 kg and length 1 m hangs at rest from a frictionless pivot at its top end. A 30 g bullet moving horizontally at 240 m/s hits the rod 0.6 m below the pivot and stays embedded. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the largest angle φ from the vertical through which the rod swings.

M = 5.5 kgL = 1 mm = 30 gv = 240 m/sd = 0.6 mg = 9.81 m/s²
φ = °

Answer key

  1. 1. t = 8.002 s
  2. 2. t = 30.04 s
  3. 3. t = 104.7 s
  4. 4. N = 24.17 rev
  5. 5. Ek = 1152 J
  6. 6. φ = 35.55 °

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