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 = 0.35 m500 → 1500 rpm80 kg

A flywheel of mass 80 kg with a radius of gyration of 0.35 m is accelerated uniformly from 500 rpm to 1500 rpm. The driving torque is a constant 68 N·m and friction can be ignored. How long t does this take?

m = 80 kgk = 0.35 mn1 = 500 rpmn2 = 1500 rpmT = 68 N·m
t = s
2.Easy
L = 2.8 mGOd = 0.65 mm = 6 kg

A uniform slender rod of mass 6 kg and length 2.8 m rotates about an axis O perpendicular to the rod, 0.65 m from its centre G. Find its mass moment of inertia IO about that axis.

m = 6 kgL = 2.8 md = 0.65 m
IO = kg·m²
3.Medium
10.5 kgaαM = 12 kgR = 0.2 m

A 10.5 kg block hangs from a light cord wrapped around a pulley, a uniform solid disc of mass 12 kg and radius 0.2 m that turns on a frictionless horizontal axle. The block is released from rest. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find the speed v of the block after it has fallen 2 m.

m = 10.5 kgM = 12 kgR = 0.2 mg = 9.81 m/s²h = 2 m
v = m/s
4.Medium
L = 2 mm = 14 kgα

A uniform slender rod of mass 14 kg and length 2 m is pinned at one end and held horizontal. It is released from rest. Use g = 9.81 m/s². Find its angular acceleration α just after release.

m = 14 kgL = 2 mg = 9.81 m/s²
α = rad/s²
5.Hard
2.5 m/sω

A solid sphere of mass 19.5 kg rolls without slipping at 2.5 m/s. Find its rotational kinetic energy Erot.

m = 19.5 kgv = 2.5 m/sI = (2/5)·m·r²
Erot = J
6.Hard
θ = 20°as = 6 m

A thin hoop rolls without slipping down a slope inclined at 20° to the horizontal. Use g = 9.81 m/s². It starts from rest. How long t does it take to roll 6 m down the slope?

θ = 20°I = m·r²g = 9.81 m/s²s = 6 m
t = s

Answer key

  1. 1. t = 15.09 s
  2. 2. IO = 6.455 kg·m²
  3. 3. v = 4.997 m/s
  4. 4. α = 7.357 rad/s²
  5. 5. Erot = 24.38 J
  6. 6. t = 2.675 s

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