Rotational Kinetic Energy and moment of inertia

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of rotational kinetic energy and its relationship to translational kinetic energy in a solid cylinder rolling without slipping on a horizontal surface. The condition of "rolling without slipping" implies that the translational and rotational speeds are matched, allowing for the calculation of rotational kinetic energy using the equation K_R = 1/2Iω^2. The radius is not needed in this calculation.
  • #1
Sheneron
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[SOLVED] Rotational Kinetic Energy

Homework Statement



A solid cylinder of mass 14.0 kg rolls without slipping on a horizontal surface.
(a) At the instant its center of mass has a speed of 11.0 m/s, determine the translational kinetic energy of its center of mass.

Homework Equations


[tex] I_cm = \frac{1}{2}MR^2 [/tex]
[tex]K_R = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2 [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I can't figure out how to find the moment of inertia without have a radius... any hints?
 
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  • #2
You won't need the radius. Hint: What does "rolls without slipping" imply?
 
  • #3
That its moving forward and has translational kinetic energy? If that's not it, I do not know what it means.

Also, I found the translational kinetic energy (if that has to deal with the problem) and I am still stuck...
 
  • #4
"Rolling without slipping" means that the translational and rotational speeds are matched so that the bottom surface doesn't slip with respect to the ground. That condition relates the translational speed to the rotational speed, such that [itex]v = \omega r[/itex].
 
  • #5
I understand

But I don't have r...
 
  • #6
Calculate the rotational KE in terms of the translational speed. (Apply the condition for rolling without slipping.)
 
  • #7
Ah, I see how the Rs cancel now, thanks.
 

1. What is rotational kinetic energy?

Rotational kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its rotational motion. It is dependent on the object's mass, radius, and rotational speed.

2. How is rotational kinetic energy calculated?

The formula for calculating rotational kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * moment of inertia * (angular velocity)^2. The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion, and angular velocity is the rate of change of angular displacement.

3. What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion. It depends on the object's mass, shape, and distribution of mass around its axis of rotation.

4. How does moment of inertia affect rotational kinetic energy?

The higher the moment of inertia, the more rotational kinetic energy an object has at a given angular velocity. This means that objects with a larger moment of inertia require more energy to rotate at a certain speed compared to objects with a smaller moment of inertia.

5. What are some real-world applications of rotational kinetic energy and moment of inertia?

Rotational kinetic energy and moment of inertia are important concepts in understanding the motion of objects such as spinning tops, wheels, and planets. They are also crucial in engineering, as they play a role in designing machines and structures that rotate, such as turbines, flywheels, and bridges.

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