Question

The moment of inertia of a solid cylinder about its axis is given by 1/2MR 2 . If this cylinder rolls without slipping, the ratio of its rotational kinetic energy to its translational kinetic energy is:A. 1:1

B. 2:2
C. 1:2
D. 1:3

Answer 1

I = 1/2 M R^2 moment of inertia

Translational energy due to rotation

Er = 1/2 I ω^2 = 1/2 M R^2 ω^2 = 1/2 M V^2 since V = R ω

Thus (A) the translational KE is equal to the rotational energy and

Ek = Er + Et for the total energy of the cylinder