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A solid disk has a total kinetic energy k. what is its rotational kinetic energy krot if it's rolling without slipping?

User Johhny
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1 Answer

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the total energy is the sum of the linear and rotational energy:
K = K_rot + K_lin

first, we find the rotational kinetic energy of a rotating disc with an angular velocity of w. see the references for the moment of inertia of a disc.
K_rot = (1/2)(I)(w^2)
I = (1/2)(m)(r^2)
K_rot = (1/4)(m)(r^2)(w^2)

next, we find the linear kinetic energy of a rolling disc:
K_lin = (1/2)(m)(v^2)
v = angular velocity * circumference
= w * (pi * 2 * r)
K_lin = (1/2)(m)(w*2*pi*r)^2
= (2*pi^2)(m)(r^2)(w^2)

we find the total kinetic energy:
K = K_rot + K_lin
= (1/4)(m)(r^2)(w^2) + (2*pi^2)(m)(r^2)(w^2)

and find the rotational contribution:
K_rot = K * [K_rot/K]
K_rot = K * [K_rot/(K_rot+K_lin)]
K_rot = K * (1/4) / [(1/4) + (2*pi^2)]
= K / (8*pi^2 + 1)
User Sam Deane
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