Rotational Kinetic Energy discrepancy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the discrepancy in Rotational Kinetic Energy (Kr) between a rolling disk and a rolling hoop. The hoop has a greater moment of inertia (I), leading to a smaller angular acceleration (alpha) and consequently a smaller angular velocity (omega). This results in a lower Kr for the hoop compared to the disk, despite the torque being equal. The key conclusion is that the torque on the disk increases proportionally with its moment of inertia, allowing it to outperform the hoop in terms of acceleration and energy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics, specifically torque and moment of inertia.
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for rolling objects.
  • Knowledge of angular acceleration and its relationship with torque.
  • Basic principles of energy conservation in mechanical systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations governing rotational motion, particularly torque = I * alpha.
  • Explore the differences in moment of inertia between various shapes, such as disks and hoops.
  • Investigate the effects of rolling without slipping on energy distribution.
  • Learn about the dynamics of objects rolling down inclines and the factors affecting their acceleration.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of rotational motion and energy in mechanical systems.

FlyDoc
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I was going over the rolling disk versus rolling hoop problem, in which the hoop has more Kr due to greater I and therefore smaller Kt and v. I know this can be algebraically proved with two unique expressions for V that don't involve omega. The question in class that came up concerns torque. If torque=I*alpha and the torques are the same (Fr), wouldn't the hoop produce a smaller alpha, therefore a smaller omega, which would make for a smaller Kr than the disk since omega is squared? I can only seem to resolve this discrepancy if I assume that the torque on the disk increases proportionally with I. Can somebody clarify for me. Thank you
 
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FlyDoc said:
Summary:: Why isn't Rotational Kinetic Energy of a hoop less than a disk? Should angular acceleration and therefore angular velocity decrease due to an increasing in moment of inertia?

I was going over the rolling disk versus rolling hoop problem, in which the hoop has more Kr due to greater I and therefore smaller Kt and v. I know this can be algebraically proved with two unique expressions for V that don't involve omega. The question in class that came up concerns torque. If torque=I*alpha and the torques are the same (Fr), wouldn't the hoop produce a smaller alpha, therefore a smaller omega, which would make for a smaller Kr than the disk since omega is squared? I can only seem to resolve this discrepancy if I assume that the torque on the disk increases proportionally with I. Can somebody clarify for me. Thank you

Why don't you show us the equations properly? Is this rolling down an incline?

A uniform disk (or solid cylinder) beats a hoop (or hollow cylinder) down an incline, right?
 
yes, disk beats hoop.
 
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FlyDoc said:
yes, disk beats hoop.
... and that's because ...
 
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