BlueSkyy
Oct18-07, 09:14 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A bicycle has wheels of radius 0.3 m. Each wheel has a rotational inertia of 0.08 kg* m2 about its axle. The total mass of the bicycle including the wheels and the rider is 74 kg. When coasting at constant speed, what fraction of the total kinetic energy of the bicycle (including rider) is the rotational kinetic energy of the wheels?
2. Relevant equations
K=1/2 I w^2
I = m r^2 <--- (for a hoop)
3. The attempt at a solution
I don't even know where to start...
Should I use the radius and the mass for the Inertia equation? Should I divide the mass by two since there are two wheels??
A bicycle has wheels of radius 0.3 m. Each wheel has a rotational inertia of 0.08 kg* m2 about its axle. The total mass of the bicycle including the wheels and the rider is 74 kg. When coasting at constant speed, what fraction of the total kinetic energy of the bicycle (including rider) is the rotational kinetic energy of the wheels?
2. Relevant equations
K=1/2 I w^2
I = m r^2 <--- (for a hoop)
3. The attempt at a solution
I don't even know where to start...
Should I use the radius and the mass for the Inertia equation? Should I divide the mass by two since there are two wheels??