7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 1

Introduction
In this chapter, rotational motion of a rigid body about a fixed axis of rotation is discussed.
A rigid body is a system of particles in which interparticle distances do not change and the
body cannot be deformed no matter how large a force is applied to it. Although a solid body
is not a rigid body, it can be so considered for most of the practical applications

om
7.1 Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics
In rotational motion of a body, all its particles move on circular paths having entres on a
definite straight line, called the axis of rotation. Kinematics deals with motion without
considering its cause, whereas dynamics deals with motion alongwith its cau e and properties
of the body.

.c
7.2 Relations between variables of rotational and linear motion

ce
( a ) Angular displacement:
The figure shows a rigid body rotating about a fixed
axis OZ normal to the plane of the figure. P and P’ re

t + ∆t. Angle θ made by the line joining the partic e to

the positions of a particle of the body at time t and

ra
the centre of its rotation with a reference line OX

θ + ∆θ is its angular position at time t + ∆t.

shows its angular position at time t. Simi arly, angle
m
The change in angular position, of a particle is called

the particle P is ∆θ in time ∆ .

its angular displacement. The angular displacement of
xa

same angular displacement i a given time. Hence, the angular displacement, ∆θ, of the
As the interparticle distances do not change in a rigid body, all its particles will have the

particle P can be considere as the angular displacement of the rigid body.

.e

( b ) Angular speed and angular velocity:

w

The average angul speed of a particle or of the rigid body is defined as

∆θ
<ω> =
angular displaceme nt
=
w

time interval ∆t

The instantaneous angular speed of a particle or of the rigid body is given by

w

ω = The unit of ω is radian / s or rotation / s.

∆θ
∆ t→0 ∆ t
lim

The direction of angular velocity is given by the right handed screw rule. When a right
handed screw is kept parallel to the axis of rotation and rotated in the direction of rotation
of the body, the direction of advancement of screw gives the direction of angular velocity.

( c ) Scalar relation between angular velocity and linear velocity:

As shown in the figure, the particle P covers a linear distance equal to the arc length PP’
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 2

in time ∆ t. Hence, average linear speed,

= r < ω >,
arc length PP' r ∆θ
<v> = = where r is the radius of the circular path.
∆t ∆t

The instantaneous linear speed is given by

om
= rω
r ∆θ r dθ
∆ t→0 ∆ t
v = lim =
dt

( Note that the angular velocity of all particles of the rigid body rotating about a fixed axis of
rotation is the same for all the particles, whereas the linear speed of a particle depends

.c
upon its distance ( r ) from the axis of rotation. )

tangential to the path at that point. In the above equation, v, r nd ω are the magnitudes of
Linear velocity is a vector quantity and its direction at any p int n the path of motion is

→ → →

ce
the vector quantities v, r and ω .

Vector product of two vectors:

→ →

θ between them is defined as

The vector product, also known as cross product,

→
A × B
→ → →
= l A l l B l sin θ n ,
^
ra f two vectors A and B having an angle
m
^ → →
where n is the unit vector norma to the plane containing A and B having direction given
by the right handed screw rule Whe a right handed screw kept perpendicular to the plane
→ → → →
xa

containing A and B is rota ed from A towards B , the direction of advancement of screw

^
gives the direction of n .
.e

Properties of vector product of two vectors:

→ → → →
A × B B × A
w

(1)

→ → → → → → →
(2) A × (B + C) = A × B + A × C
w

( 3 ) The cross product of two parallel vectors, in the same or opposite directions, is a zero
vector.
w

→ → → →
A ⊥ B , then A × B sin 90° = 1 )
^
( 4 ) If = AB n ( Q

i × i = j × j = k × k = 0 i × j = k, j × k = i, k × i = j
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
(5) and

→ →
A = Ax i + Ay j + Az k B = B x i + B y j + B z k , then
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
(6) If and
→ →
A × B = ( A y Bz - A z By ) i + ( A z Bx - A x Bz ) j + ( A x By - A y Bx ) k
^ ^ ^
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 3

^ ^ ^

∴
→ →
i j k
A × B = Ax Ay Az
Bx By Bz

( d ) Vector relation between angular velocity and linear velocity:

→
The position vector
path of a particle, angular velocity
om
r w. r. t. the centre of the circular
→ →
ω and linear velocity v
→

.c
are shown in the figure. As v is perpendicular to the plane
→ →
formed by ω and r , the scalar relation v = r ω can be
written in the vector form as
→ → →

ce
v = ω × r

( e ) Angular acceleration:

The average angular acceleration in the time i terval ∆ t is

< α>
→ change in angular velocity
ra →
∆ω
m
= =
time interval ∆t

and the instantaneous angular accele ation at time t is given by

xa

→ →
→ ∆ω dω
α
∆ t→0 ∆ t
= lim = rate of change of angular velocity.
dt

→ →
.e

α is in the dir ction of ∆ ω and in the case of fixed axis of rotation, both are parallel to
the axis. The unit of α is rad / s or rotation / s .
2 2
w

( f ) Relation between linear acceleration and angular acceleration :

→ → →
ω
w

Di fer ntiating the equation v = × r with respect to time gives the linear
acceleration
→ → →
→ d → → → dω →
w

(ω × r ) = ω ×
dv dr
a = = + × r
dt dt dt dt
→ → → →
= (ω × v ) + (α × r )

From the figure on the previous page and using right handed screw rule it can be found that
→ →
the direction of ω × v is radial towards the centre. Hence, it is called the radial component,
→ →
a r , of the linear acceleration a .
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 4

→ →
Similarly, the direction of α × r is tangential to the circular path at the position of the
→ →
particle. Hence it is called the tangential component, a T , of the linear acceleration a .

→
∴ ∴
→ → → →
a = ar + a T a = ar 2 + a T 2 ( Q ar ⊥ aT )
→
α = 0, that is the angular velocity is constant,

om
Even if ar is not zero. As the angular
→ →
displacement, θ, angular velocity, ω and angular acceleration, α are the ame for all the
particles of a rigid body, they are known as variables of the rotational kinematics.

.c
7.4 Torque
Torque is a physical quantity of rotational dynamics whose

ce
role in rotational motion is similar to the role of force in
translational motion.

( a ) Torque acting on a particle:

→
Consider a particle P having position vector

origin O of a co-ordinate system on which a f rce ra

as shown in the figure. The angle betwe n r and F is θ.
→
r w .r t. the

→
→
F acts
m
τ
→
The torque acting on the part cle w. r. t. point O is
xa

defined as

τ
→ → →
r × F

∴ τ
=

= r F sin θ = ( r s n θ ) = F ( OQ )
.e

= ( F ) ( Perpendicular distance of the line of action of force from O )

= Moment of force w. r. t. point O
w

τ
Thus, torque is the moment of force w. r. t. an arbitrarily selected reference point.
→ 1 2 2

τ
is a vector quantity. Its dimensional formula is M L T- and its unit is Nm.
→ → →
w

The dire ion of is perpendicular to the plane formed by r and F and is obtained
using the right handed screw rule. The magnitude and direction of torque depends on the
w

selec ion of the reference point and hence it is necessary to mention the reference point
ile defining the torque of a particle.

( b ) Torque acting on a system of particles:

As the internal forces between the particles of a system are equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction, the resultant torque due to them is zero. The resultant torque acting on the
system is the vector sum of torques acting on its particles having position vectors,
→ → → → → →

τ τ1 τ2 τn
r1 , r2 , ... , rn due to external forces, F1, F2 , ... , Fn respectively.

∴
→ → → → → → → → → →
= r1 × F1 + r2 × F2 + … + rn × Fn = + + … +
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 5

( c ) Torque acting on a rigid body:

The figure shows a rigid body rotating about a fixed axis
→ → →
OZ. F1, F2 , ... , Fn are the forces acting on its particles
→ → →
with position vectors r1 , r2 , ... , rn respectively.

om
The torque, τ , acting on the rigid body is the vector
→

sum of torques acting on its particles.

∴ τ ∑ τn ∑
→ → → →
rn × Fn

.c
= =
n n

ce
^ ^ ^

∑
i j k
= xn yn zn
n Fnx Fny Fnz

∑ ra
^ ^
= [ ynFnz - znFny ] i + [ znFnx - xnFnz ] j + [ xnFny - ynFnx ] k
n
m
Here, as the rotation is considered about z-axis, only the z-component of torque is
^

τ⋅
responsible for the rotation. In gen ral, if rotation is about a fixed axis with n as the unit
→ ^
xa

vector on it, the component of torque responsible for rotational motion is n.

( d ) Physical explanation of the definition of torque:

→
.e

Suppose a forc F acts on a particle P of a

→
rigid body, h ving position vector r w. r. t. O,
w

and the body otates about a fixed axis passing

through O and perpendicular to the plane of the
→ →
is θ. The
w

figure. The angle between F and r

→ →
component of force, F cos θ, parallel to r is
→
F sin θ, produces the rotational
w

ineffective in producing rotational motion. The component,

motion about the axis through O.

→ →
More effective will be the rotational motion, larger the value of l F l, l r l and / or sin θ.
Thus, the effectiveness of rotational motion depends on rFsin θ which is known as torque.

τ
→ → →
Vectorially, Torque, = r × F
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 6

Thus, torque is the measure of effectiveness of force in producing rotational motion.

( e ) Couple:
“Two non-collinear forces, equal in magnitude and opposite
in direction, constitute a couple. The figure shows forces,
→ →

om
F1 and F2 , acting at points P and Q of a rigid body
→ →
having position vectors, r1 and r2 , respectively w. r. t. to O.
These forces are equal in magnitude and hence constitute a
couple. Here,

τ
→ → → → →

.c
= r1 × F1 + r2 × F2
→ → → → → →
= r1 × F1 - r2 × F1 [ Q F2 = - F1 ]

ce
→ → → → →
= ( r1 - r2 ) × F1 = l r1 - r2 l ( F1 ) sin ( π - θ )
→ → → → →
= l r1 - r2 l F1 sin θ, where π - θ is the ang e between r1 - r2 and F1 .

∴
ra
Moment of a couple = Magnitude of force constituting couple × perpendicular distance
between the wo for es.
m
( f ) Equilibrium of a rigid body:

τ1 τ2 τn
→ → → → → →
xa

If F1, F2 , ... , Fn are the forces acting on a rigid body and + + … + are
the torques on it due to these forces, then

( i ) for translational equilibrium, ∑ Fxi = ∑ Fyi = ∑ Fzi = 0 and

τ ∑τ
.e

n n n
→ →
( ii ) for rotationa equilibrium, = n = 0
n
w

7.5 Angular momentum

w

( a ) Angular momentum of a particle:

→
w

→ →
Consider a particle Q of mass m having position vector OQ

→ → → →
= r moving with velocity v and having linear momentum

p = m v . The angle between r and p is θ. The

coordinate axes are so chosen that the particle and its
motion are in ( x, y ) plane.

The angular momentum of the particle w. r. t. point O is

→
defined as
→ →
l = r × p = r p sin θ = p ( OR )
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 7

= p × ( perpendicular distance of linear momentum

vector from the reference point )
= Moment of linear momentum

The unit of angular momentum is kg m / s or Js.

2
1 2 1
Its dimensional formula is M L T - .
→ → →

om
The direction of l is perpendicular to the plane formed by r and p and i obt ined using
→

→
the right handed screw rule. In the present case, l is in the OZ direction.

The magnitude and direction of l depend on the selection of referen e point and hence
while defining the angular momentum of a particle it is necessary to mention the reference

.c
point.

( b ) The relation between angular momentum of a particle

ce
and torque acting on it:
→ → →
Differentiating equation l = r × p w. r. t. to time
→  →  → 
→ dp  d r →
 + 

→
d l
dt
= r ×


dt 

 dtra
× p


→
→
→
m
dp dr
But = rate of change of linear momentum = force F and = velocity v
dt dt
→
∴
→ → → →
× F) + (v × p)
xa

d l
= ( r
dt
→
∴ τ
→ → → → → → →
× F) v × p
d l
= ( r = ( As v and p are in the same direction, = 0)
.e

dt

Thus, “the time rate of change of angular momentum is equal to the torque.” This statement
is similar to he Newton’s Second Law of motion that “the time rate of change of linear
w

momentum is equal to the force.”

( c ) Angular momentum of a system of particles:

w

→ → →
The angular momentum of a system of n particles having angular momenta l 1 , l 2 , ... , l n is
→ → → →
w

g ven by L = l 1 + l 2 + ... + l n
→ → → →
∴ dL
=
d l1
+
d l2
+ ... +
d ln

τ τ τn
dt dt dt dt
→ → →

= τ
= + + … +
→
1 2

Thus, the time rate of change of total angular momentum of a system of particles is equal to
the resultant external torque acting on the system.
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 8

( d ) Angular momentum of a rigid body:

All particles of a rigid body move on circular paths in a plane perpendicular to the axis of
rotation and hence their linear momenta are in this plane only. Taking position vector of each
particle w. r. t. the centre of its circular path, its angular momentum will be parallel to the
→ →
axis of rotation. Also, for each particle, r and p are perpendicular to each other.

om
∴
→ → → → → → → → → →
L = l 1 + l 2 + ... + l n = ( r1 × p 1 ) + ( r2 × p 2 ) + ... + ( rn × p n )

∴ lL l
→ → →
= r1 p 1 + r2 p 2 + ... + rn p n ( Q r ⊥ p and all vecto s on R H. S. are parallel )

= r1 m1 v 1 + r2 m 2 v 2 + ... + rn mn v n ( Q p = mv )

.c
= m1 r12 ω + m 2 r2 2 ω + ... + mn rn 2 ω ( Q v = rω

ce
= ( m1 r12 + m 2 r2 2 + ... + mn rn 2 ) ω

∴ lL l
→ →
= I l ω l, where I = m1 r12 + m 2 r2 2 + ... + mn rn 2

→ →
ra
I is called the moment of inertia of the rigid b dy about the given axis of rotation.

ω are parallel to the axis f rotation, L

→ →
= I ω.
m
As L and

→ →
∴ dω
τ
→ →
= I α
dL
= I =
xa

dt dt

Law of conservation of angular momentum:

In the above equation, if τ = 0, L = constant. Hence, “In the absence of resultant

→ →
.e

external torque, the angular momentum of a rigid body remains constant.” This statement is
known as the l w of conservation of angular momentum.
w

7.6 Geometrical representation of the law

of conservation of angular momentum
w

Planet P having mass m moves in an elliptical

→
w

orbit around the Sun with linear velocity v as

shown in the figure. The perpendicular distance of
→
v from the Sun is d.

∴ the angular momentum of the planet w. r. t.

the Sun is

L = mvd … … … … … … … ( 1 )
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 9

1 1
Area of the triangle SQP is A = ( SQ ) ( PQ ) = (d)s ( Q PQ = s )
2 2

∴ dA
=
1
(d)
ds
=
1
(d)v … … … … (2)
dt 2 dt 2

From equations ( 1 ) and ( 2 ), we get

om
dA L
= = constant ( Q torque due to gravitational force on P by the Sun w. r. t. the
dt 2m
Sun is zero and so L is constant. )

.c
This equation represents Kepler’s second law for planetary motion s ated as “The area swept
by the line joining a planet with the Sun per unit time, called areal velocity, is constant.”
This is the geometrical representation of the law of conservation of ngular momentum.

ce
7.7 Moment of inertia

If m1 , m 2 , ..., mn are the masses of the partic es of a igid body and r1, r2 , ..., rn are
their perpendicular distances from a given axis respect vely, then the moment of inertia of the
body corresponding to the given axis is given by

I = m1 r12 + m 2 r2 2 + ... + mn rn 2
ra ∑ mi ri 2
n

i=1
m
The magnitude of moment of inertia depends on the selection of the axis and the distribution
xa

1 2 0
of mass about it. Its S I unit is kg m and dimensional formula is M L T .

τ
→ → → →
The equations L = I ω and = I α are analogous to the equations of linear motion
→ → → →
.e

P = M v and F M a respectively which shows that the moment of inertia plays the
same role in rotational motion as the mass plays in linear motion. The moment of inertia is
the inertia for rot tiona motion just as the mass is the inertia for linear motion.
w

7.8 ( a ) Radius of gyration

∴ M = mn.
Suppose the rigid body of mass M consists of n particles each of
w

mass m

( )
The moment of inertia of the body about a given axis,
w

M r12 + r2 2 + ... + rn 2
= m r12 + m r2 2 + ... + m rn 2 =
2
I = MK
n

where, K is called the radius of gyration corresponding to the given

axis and is the mean of the squares of perpendicular distances of the
particles of the body from the given axis.
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 10

7.8 ( b ) Two theorems regarding moment of inertia

( i ) Parallel axes theorem: The moment of inertia ( I )

of a body about a given
axis is equal to the sum of its moment of inertia I c about
a parallel axis passing through its centre of mass and the
product of its mass and square of perpendicular distance

om
( d ) between the two axes.
2
I = Ic + Md

( ii ) Perpendicular axes theorem:

.c
( a ) For laminar bodies: For laminar bodies, the
moment of inertia I z
about Z-axis normal to its plane is equal to the

ce
sum of its moments of inertia about X-axis,
I x and Y-axis, I y.

Iz = Ix + Iy

ra
( b ) For three-dimensional bodies: The sum o
moments of inertia of a three dimensional b dy
about any three mutually perpendicu ar ax s
m
drawn through the same point is equa to twice
the moment of inertia of the body about that
point.
xa

Ix + Iy + Iz = 2I0

7.9 Calculation of momen of inertia of certain symmetric objects

.e

( a ) Moment of inertia of a thin uniform rod about an axis,

passing through its centre and perpendicular to its length:
w

To calculate moment of inertia of a thin rod of length l and mass M about an axis yy’
passing through its centre O and perpendicular to its length, consider O as origin and X-axis
along he length of the rod. A small element of length dx of the rod is at a distance x from
w

The moment of inertia of this element about yy’ is

w

dx ⋅ x 2 ∴ moment of inertia of the rod,

M
dI =
l
+ +
l
 3 2
∫ l dx ⋅ x
l

 
2
M 2 M x
l  3  l
 -
I = =
l
- 2

M  l3 l3 
2

 + 
M l2
3l  8 8 
 
= =
12
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 11

( b ) Moment of inertia of a thin ring or a thin walled hollow cylinder or

a thin walled hollow sphere:
As the entire mass, M, of a thin ring is at the same distance, equal to the radius R of the
ring from its centre, the moment of inertia of a thin ring about an axis passing through its
2
centre and perpendicular to its plane is MR . Similarly, the moments of iner ia f a thin
walled cylinder about its geometric axis or of a thin walled hollow sphere about its centre

om
2
are also given by MR , where M represents their mass and R their radii.

( c ) Moment of inertia of a disc or a solid cylinder:

To calculate moment of inertia of a disc of uniform thickness t

.c
radius R and mass M about an axis passing through its centre and
perpendicular to its plane, consider an element of the disc in the

centre. Mass of this ring is 2 π x dx ⋅ t ⋅ ρ, where ρ is the dens ty

form of a thin ring of thickness dx at a distance x from its

ce
of the material of the ring. Therefore, the moment of nertia of the
ring about an axis passing through the centre, O, of the d sc and
perpendicular to its plane is

d I = ( 2 π x dx ⋅ t ⋅ ρ ) x ( 2 π t ρ ) x dx

∴
2
=
ra 3

moment of inertia of the disc about an axis passing through its centre and perpendicular
m
to its plane is

∫ = ( 2π
 x4 
= 2π t ρ ( π R 2 t ρ) R 2
R
Ι = ( 2 π t ρ ) x 3 dx t ρ)  
R
R4 1

4 

=
xa

4 2
0 0

1
= M R2
2
.e

1
Similarly, moment of inertia of a solid cylinder about its axis is also M R2 .
2
w

( d ) Moment of inertia of a thin walled hollow sphere about its diameter:

2
Momen of nertia of a thin walled hollow sphere about its centre is I 0 = MR .
w

By perpendicular axes theorem for three dimensional bodies, 2 I 0 = I x + I y + I z .

w

Now, I x = I y = I z = Moment of inertia, I , of the hollow sphere about its diameter.

∴ I =
2
I0 =
2 2
MR .
3 3

( e ) Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its centre:

and of thickness dx. The mass of this shell is 4 π x ⋅ dx ρ, where ρ is the density of the
Let the solid sphere of mass M be of radius R. Consider a thin spherical shell of radius x
2

material of the sphere. Hence the moment of inertia of the shell about the centre O is
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 12

d I0 = 4 π x
2
⋅ dx ρ ⋅ x2
Therefore, the moment of inertia of the solid sphere about its
centre is

 x5 
∫
4 πρ 5
I0 = 4 π ρ = 4π ρ 
R

R
x 4 dx
 5 
= R

om
5
0 0

π R3 ρ ⋅
4 3 R2 3
= = MR 2
3 5 5

( f ) Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its diameter:

.c
The moments of inertia of the solid sphere about three mutually p rpendicular axes passing
through its centre given by I x, I y and I z are all e ual and represent the moment of

ce
inertia, I, of the solid sphere about the diameter.

∴ I = Ix = Iy = Iz

By theorem of perpendicular axes in three dimensions

∴ I =
2
I0 =
2
×
3
MR 2 =
2
MR 2
ra 2 I0 = I x + I y + I z = 3 I
m
3 3 5 5

( g ) Moment of inertia of a solid cone about its geometric axis:

xa

Consider a disc of radius r and th ckness dy at a height y

from the vertex of the cone

Mass of disc = dm = vo ume × density = π r dy ⋅ ρ.

2
.e

∴ ( dm ) r 2
M. I. of d sc = d I = =
π r 4 ρ dy

∴ r =
2 2
w

r R R
From the geom ry of the figure, = y
y h h

∴ πR4 ρ
w

dI y 4 dy
2 h4
w

π R 4 ρ  y5 
∴ ∫
πR4 ρ
h
 
h

 5 
I = y 4 dy =
2 h4 0 2 h4 0

π R 4 ρ h5 3  1 
π R 2 h ρ R 2
10  3 
= =
2 h4 5

3
= MR2
10
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 13

Moment of inertia and radius of gyration for some symmetric bodies

Body Axis I K
Passing through its centre and 1 L
1 Thin rod of length L perpendicular to its length ML2

→
12 2 3
2 Ring of radius R Passing through its centre and

om
perpendicular to its plane
2

Thin-walled hollow cylinder of radius R →

MR R
Geometric axis
3 Ring of radius R → Any diameter

Circular disc of radius R → Passing through its c ntre nd 1 R

MR 2

.c
perpendicular to its pla e 2 2
Solid cylinder of radius R → Geometric axis

ce
→
1 R
4 Circular disc of radius R Any diameter MR 2
4 2

Thin-walled hollow sphere of radius R →

2 2
5 An diameter MR 2 R
3 3

6 Solid sphere of radius R

ra →

→
Any diameter
2
5
MR 2

3 2
R
2
5
3
R
m
7 Solid right circular cone of radius R Geometric axis R
10 10

7.8 Comparison of translational motion and rotational motion

xa

→
1 Linear displacement d Angular displacement θ
→ →
ω
.e

2 Linear velocity v Angular velocity

→ →
→ → dω
α
3 Linear accele at on dv Angular acceleration
w

a = =
dt dt
w

4 Mass m Moment of inertia I

→ → → →
5 inear momentum p = m v Angular momentum L = I ω

τ
→ → → →
w

6 Force F = m a Torque = I α
→ →
τ
→ dP → dL
7 Newton’s Second Law of Result similar to
F = =
motion dt Newton’s Second Law dt

I ω2
8 Translational kinetic 1 Rotational kinetic 1
energy K = mv 2 energy K =
2 2

9 Work W =
→
F ⋅
→
d Work
W = τθ
 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 14

10 Power P = Fv Power τω
ω = ω0 + αt
P =
v = v0 + at
θ = ω0 t + αt
11 Equations of linear 1 2 Equations of 1 2
motion with constant d = v0t + at rotational motion with

2α θ = ω - ω02
2
2 2
linear acceleration constant angular

om
2 2
2ad = v - v0 acceleration

7.11 Rigid ( solid ) bodies rolling without sliding

.c
Let a body of mass m, radius R, moment of
inertia I and radius of gyration K start rolling

plane of height h inclined at an angle θ as

from rest without sliding from the top of a

ce
shown in the figure.

The body performs combined translational and

angular velocity ω at the bottom of the inclined

rotational motion achieving linear velocity v and

plane.

Now, the P. E. lost by the body = mgh

ra whe e
m
g is acceleration due to gravity
mv 2 + I ω 2
1 1
and the K. E. gained by the body =
xa

2 2

By the law of conservation of mechanical energy,

mv 2 + I ω 2 … … ( 1 )
.e

1 1
mgh =
2 2
Putting ω = and Ι = m K
v 2
in the equation ( 1 ) above, we get
R
w

2 gh
 2
2
v = … … … (2)
1 + K 
 R 2 

w

f d is the length of the inclined plane and a is the acceleration of the body along it, then
w

2 2ah
v = 2ad = … … (3)
sin θ
g sin θ
 2
Comparing equations ( 2 ) and ( 3 ), a =
1 + K 
 R 2 

 7 - ROTATIONAL MOTION Page 15

∴ the decrease in the acceleration of the body due to the frictional force acting on it

 
= g sin θ g sin θ  
g sin θ K2
   K2 + R2 
-
 
=
1 + K 
2
 
 R2 
∴

om
the frictional force,

 
F = m g sin θ  
K2
 K2 + R2 
 
… (4)

.c
The normal reaction N and m g cos θ balance each other.

∴ N = m g cos θ

ce
… … (5)

Dividing equation ( 4 ) by equation ( 5 ),

 
=   tan θ
K2
F
N  K2 + R2




≤ µ s ( co-efficient of static f iction )

ra
m
F
But
N

( Note: Frictional force, F, inc eases as the angle of inclination, θ, of the inclined plane is
increased till it reaches a aximum value = µ s N at a certain maximum value of θ.
xa

For all values of θ le s than this maximum value, F < µ s N. )

 
∴
.e

 K2  tan θ ≤ µs
 K2 + R2 
 
w

 
µ ≥   tan θ
K2
 K2 + R2 
 
or, for body to roll without sliding.
w

Special cases:
w

⇒ µs ≥ tan θ
1
F r thin ring or thin-walled hollow cylinder, radius of gyration, K = R
2

⇒ µs ≥ tan θ
R 1
For circular disc or solid cylinder, radius of gyration, K =
2 3

⇒ µs ≥ tan θ
2 2
and for solid sphere, radius of gyration, K = R
5 7