13

Rotational Motion and Moment of

Inertiaa
1. Rotational Motion : Itrepresents the motion of a body turning
about an axis. In pure rotation of a rigid body each particle of the body
describes a circle with its centre on a fixed line which is called axis of
rotation.
The physical quantities and the laws which are used to describe linear
motion all have their rotational analogous, as for example moment of
inertia and angular velocity in rotational motion correspond to mass and
linear velocity respectively in the case of linear motion.
2. Rotational equation of motion are
(a) t + ar2
(b) 22 = o2 + 2ae
@2)r
t
(d) e-O 2
where = angular displacement, oj Initial angular velocity, and G2 =
final angular velocity.
3. Moment of Inertia : Moment of inertia of a body about a given
axis.
I= m^ri + m2r2 +*.
Emr= MK?
where K is the Radius of gyration, and ri. F2.. are perpendicular
distances of various particles of the body from the axis.
4. Radius of gyration (K) :

We have, K=° it m = m2 = m and if M = mn, where n = No. of

particles, then

K-V-V m(r+r? t+
106 Numericals in Physics

5. Theorem of perpendicular axes

I = I +ly
Where I is the M. O. I. about an axis L, to the plane of the body and
I and Iy are M. O. I. about two mutually Lr axis in its own plane and
passing from the same point through which the Lr axis passes.
6. Theorem of parallel axis
I=I +M
Where I is the M. O. L. of the body about an axis passing through ite
C. G. and I is the M. 0. I. about a parallel axis distance r from it.
7. Moment of Inertia of different bodies
(a) Thin rod: (i) About an axis passing through its centre and L,to
its length,

IML2, K=
ii) About an axis passing through one of its side an L, to its length.

ML2
I= K=
(b) Rectangular Lamina : About an axis passing through its
centre andL,to its plane.

-+
(c) Circular Ring : (i) About an axis passing through its centre and
1, to its plane.
I=MR2, K=VR2= R
i) About its diameter
I-MR .K
(d) Circular disc :i) About an axis passing through its centre and
L to its plane.

IMR
(ii) Abou its dimeter.
rV
1MB
fiii) About the:tangamA m s
KOn plame,

I=MR K-S-sR
 Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 107

(iv) About a
tangent Ly to its plane,

I=MR K=

(e) Solid sphere : (1) about its diameter

I= MR2, R=

(ii) about its tangent: I=MR2 K=

() Hollow sphere (or spherical shell) :

(i) about its diameter I-MR -V R

ii) about its tangent: I=MR K-VG

(g) Solid cylinders:
(i) about its own axis I=MR, K R
2
(ii) about an axis passing through its centre and L, to its length.

K=1
=
8. Angular Momentum: L l»
9. Principle of Conservation of angular momentum n
absence of any external torque, the total angular momentum of a rotating
body remains constant, that is, if

T 0, then, Io = constant
Therefore, if I increases, w decreases and vice-versa.
10. Torque : T = la 11. Work done: W = T6
12. Power P = T 13. Angular impulse = Tt
L2
14. Rotational K. E. : E = lo? = Lo=2 7
15. K. E. of
a rolling body
E-5mva lo-mvmK
mv (1+
108 Numericais in Physics
16. Acceleration of a rolling body down n incline
inclincd
plane:
g sine
)f+K/R?
g sine
1RRE|S
Sincc for a given inclination, acceleration.J R2
R24 K2 hence, greater
the radius of gyration. smaller is the acceleration, therefore, greater is the
ime taken to roll down. Aiso acceleration and hence the time of decent is
independent of mass of the body. Time of decent is same for a given type
of
body, and is independent of its size (i. e. its radius).

EXAMPLES
1. A circular disc of radius 4 metre is making 600 revolution per minute
Calculate the angular velocity of the disc.
Ans. 207 rad/sec = 62-83 rad/sec.
= = 2tn = 27 x 600 207t radian/sec
60
= 62-83 radian/sec.
2. In the above question, what is the linear speed of a point on the rim of
thedisc?
Ans. 251-3 m/sec.
V= r0= 4 x 20T = 251:3 m/sec.
3. A pulley of radius 11 cm. is rotated at the rate of 7 revolution per sec.
Calculate its angular and linear velocities.
Ans. 44 radian/sec; and 4-84 m/sec.
4. Calculate the linear velocity of a point at cquator on the surface of the
earth due to its rotation. (Radius of the earth = 6400 km.)
Ans. 465.42 m/sec.
Since the earth makes one rotation in 24 hours, therefore its time
period
T 24x 60 x 60 = 86400 sec.
Hence angular velocity of the earth rotating about its axis
= 27n = 21
86400
Fadian/sec.

Therefore. the linear velocity of a point at the equator

) = 6400 x 1000 x 27 405-42 m/sec.
86400
 Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 109

estion calculate the linear speed of a point at the pole.

questio
above
,
In the
Ans.
Zero.
the angular velocity of the earth in its orbit around the sun,
Calculhte circular.
5. assuming the orbit to be
rad/sec. (nearly)
1:99 x 10
Ans.
period
case, tume
In this
x 60 =3:1536 x 10 sec.
T 365 x 24 x 60

Therefore, 0=2t= T 3-1536 x 10

199 x 10 rad/sec.
8 Its speed changes from
moving on a circle of radius cms.
7. A
body is minutes in 10 sec.
revolution per minutes to 600 revolution per
120
and (2) linear acceleration.
(1) angular accleration,
Calculate its
rad/sec (2) 0-40 m/sec?.
Ans. (1) 5-02
120
= 2Tt7= 2t
Initial angular velocity, 60

27tnh = 27X600 rad/sec.

and final angular velocity, 0= 60

=
Since 0 +C

() angular acceleration a- -01 2T(10-2502

10
rad/sec?

(2) Linear acceleration f= ra =9-08 x 5-02 = 040l m/sec:.

velocity
8. A particle is moving in a circle of radius 50 cm. If its
(1) linear
increases 120 revolution per minute, then calculate
acceleration (2) angular acceleration.: after one minute

Ans. (1) 10-47 cm/sec? (2) 0-209 radian/sec'.

9, A circular disc of radius 100 cm rolls on a smooth horizontal surface

with a velocity of 36 km/h. How many revolution does the disc makes
per sec?
Ans. 1:59 revolution per sec.

A lywheel of radius 0-5 metre starts from rest with angular

acceleration of 0.34 radian/sec?. What will be its angular velocity atter

10 sec?
Ans. 34 radian/sec.

x 100 34 radian/sec.
iere, 0= (0 +t = 0+034
110 Nvnericals in Physics

11. The speed of a scooter changes from 36 km/h to 72 km/h in 10 Se sec.

Calculate the angular acceleration of its wheel, if its radius is 0.1s
metre, aiso calculate its linear acceleration.
Ans. (1) 6-6 rad/sec? (2) 1
m/sec
revolving at 240 revolutions ner
2 m is
12. * circular disc of radius
minute. a torque is applied which slows it at constant rate of.
radian/sec2. In what time the disc will completely stop ?

Ans. 8 sec.
Here, @2 = ®1 -Ct or 0 27tn -Or

t10 27 x 24o 8 sec.

Tx 60
13. In the above question, calculate how many revolutions the disc makes
before it comes to rest.
Ans. 16 revolution.
If e is the angular displacement then,
or, 0 = @2- 200

62d 4n4x
20 2x T (60 =32
No ofrevolutions = 0/2m =16
a
14. Calculte the M. 0. I. of circular disc about an axis passing through
its centre and perpendicular to its plane; mass of the disc is 2 kg and
its ràdius is equal to 50 cm.
Ans. 0-25 kgm?.
Here,
I-MR-zx 2x (00 =025kgm
15. In the above question calculate its M. 0. I. (1) about a tangent in its
own plane; and (2) about a tangent L, to its plane.
Ans. (1) 0-625 kgm2 (2) 0-75 kgm2.
(1) From the theorem of parallel axis, M. 0. I. about tangent in its
own plane.
I= M. O. I. about a parallel diameter + MR2
=MRMR?-MR=x 2x (00
= 0-625 kgm2
(2) M. O. I. about tangent L, to its plane.
M. O. 1I. about L, axis + MR2
 Kotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 111

= MR?=2x2x (50
MRMR
= 0-75 kgm.
sents a thin circular disc of mass 4 kg and radius 0-60
represents
The figure inertia
Calculate its moment of
metre. through A
an axis X*, passing
about
its plane.
and to theorem of
0-88 kgm. From
Ans. I. about XX
parallel axis, M. O.
M.O.I. about YY' + Mr2 m
=
=
MR2+ M

=x 4x (0-6)2 +4x (0-2)2

= 0-88 kgm. concentrically and neXt
and uniforn circular dise is once rotated
17, A thin which case its M. O. I. will
eccentrically in a horizontal plane. In
time
be greater ?
eccentrically.
Ans. When rotated mass 10 kg and radius
Calculate the M. 0. I. of a solid sphere of
18. (2) about its tangnt.
metre (1) about its diameter
Ans. (1) 4 kgm2,
(2) 14 kmg
kg, radius 0-4
Calculate the M. 0. I. of a uniform cylinder of mass 6
19.
metre and length I metre about an
axis passing through its centre and
L, to its length.
Ans. 0-74 kgm.
I=M =074 kgm
10 kg and radius 2 metre.
20. There is a uniform circular disc of mass
an axis passing
Calculate the radius of gyration if it is rotating about
through its centre and L, to its plane.
Ans. 1.414 metre. Here, I = MR?

4.
K
A solid
= 1414 m
sphere of mass 6 kg and radius 2 metre
is rotating about its

diameter; then calculate the radius of gyration.

Ans. 1-26 metre. Here, I=MR2

K-V x2 = 1-26 metre.

112 Numericals in Physics

22. Four points masses each of mass m are attached to a massless strino
ing.
Calculate the M.O.I. of the system
about XX.

Ans. 6mL2.
m M.O.I. about XX
L -4 -L
= mL2+0 +mL2+ m(2L)2
x' mL2
6
23. Three point masses each of mass m are kept as shown in the figure, the
string is massless. Calculate the
An
M. O. I. of the system about an
10m
8m axis passing through (1) AB,
(2) BC and (3) about an axis
B
m 6m
passing Lrly through A.
Ans. (1) 36m (2) 64m (3) 164m
(1) M.O.I. about AB = 0 +0+ m(6) = 36m.
24. The figure represents a thin uniform rod of mass m and length L. Cal-

P X Y culate its M.O.I. about the

axes (1) YY' and (2) XX' and

(3) axis PQ.

Ans. (1)ml3, (2)m2

y

25. Three uniform rods each of mass m and length L metre are connected
to form an equilateral triangle. Calculate the M.O.I. of the system
about an axis passing through one of the vertex and L, to the
plane or
the iriangle.
3
Ans.mL2
m,L ,m M.O.I. of the rod AB, and AC

about the given axis are each equal

m,L
tomL2
3
 Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 113

rod BC about the given axis (from the theorem of

M.O.I. ofthe
parallel axis)
is
m2+m-ml?+mLY
10
3mL212mL2
ml2+
12 4
system about given aixs
M.o.l. of the whole
Hence,
I=mLml2+ml3=m3mL2
10

calculate the radius of gyration.

above question,
a In the

Ans. 2 represents two spheres of mass M and radius R.

They
figure below
27. The contact as shown.
are kept 'in axis YY.
Calculate M.O.I. about

Ans.MR
5

Hint:I= mR2 mR?

y
their centres on
Four spheres each of mass M and radius r are kept with
28.
the corners of a square of
side L. M

Calculate M.O.I. of the system about

an axis passing through one side of the
L
square.

Ans.M[4r2 5L]
M.O.I. about AB

ML:)+(M+ML:)
MM+(M+
=M+2ML2 = M(4R +5L)
about one ofits diagonal.
tne above question calculate M.O.I.
Ans. (8+5L).
 114 Numericals in Physics oh

30. In the figure shown, calculate the M.O.I. about the axis MN. (tho
string in is massless).

M m
30L
L L 2mn Ans.mL
4m 2
L

3m N
31. The figure represents a circular ring of negligible mass, on which four
point masses are kept as shown.
mP
Calculate the M.O.I. of the system

3m, m about an axis passing through the

X
centre of the ring and Lr to its
plane.
2m
Ans. 28m.
32. In above problem, calculate the M.O.I about (i) XX' and (ii) about an
axis passing Lrly through P.
Ans. (i) 12m (ii) 64m.
33. Two point masses are kept at distance of 9 metre on a thin uniform rod
of negligible mass. The rod remains horizontal if it is pivoted at A.
Calculate M.O.I. about a vertical line XX' through the pivot A.
Ans. 54 kgm2.
Since the rod remains horizontal
about A, hence
2Rg 1
xg9- y) =2g xy
y=3 metre
9--
I 2(3)2 + 1(6)2
54 kgm2.
34. If radius of a circular disc increases 0-02%
then calculate % change in
its M.O.I.
Ans. 0-04%.
 Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 115

uniform rod of mass M and length L about an

M.O.I. of a thin
The through its centre is Iy. This rod is bent in form of a
35. The assing
axis I2 is the M.O.l. of the ring formed about
its centre then
ring, and If
compare and l2.
I
Ans.

For thin rod, I ML2

For the ring, 27tr
=L
r
M=M M
uniform rod of mass 4 kg and length
1

moment of inertia of a thin the

4The
about an axis Lr to its length is ).43 kgn2 Calculate
metre
of this axis from nearer end of the rod.
distance
Ans. 0-34 metre. eccentrically
circular disc is once rotated concentrically and next time
will
37. A
same angular speed in a horizontal plane. In which case it
with
have more K. E. ?
eccentrically.
Ans. When it is rotated
uniform disc of mass M and radius R rolls on a smooth horizontal
38. A velocity v. Calculate its K. E.
surface without slipping with a linear
Ans. Mv2
slipping8)
K. E. of a rolling body (without .

MK?x
-iMv+ lo=Mv?+

for disc, since K =

Henc K. E. of a isc-Mv
39. A solid sphere of mass M and radius R is
rotating as well as moving
its K. E.
with a linear velocity v; then calculate

Ans.M2.
sphare,K-V
K.E =M 1+for R

(without slipping)
K. E. for a sphere which is rolling

10 M2
 116 Numericals in Physics

A solid cylinder of mass M and radius R

has a length L. If it is rolt:
40.
v, then calculate ite
as well as moving with linear velocity
(assuming no slipping).

Ans.Mv
We have, K. E. =M#|1
for a solid cylinder, K= R

K. E. = M2> (same as that for a circular disc of mass

M and moving with same v).
41. A Ily wneel ol moment or inertia /:5 kgm is rotating at 240 revolution
per minute; calculate its K. E.
Ans. 2366 joule.

0 2tn=27x=8t
60

K.E=la-ns118
=x75 x 64 x T2 = 2366 joule.
42. A solid disc is rolling without slipping as well as moving
with linear
velocity v. What will be the ratio of translatory K. E. and
total K. E.
Ans. 2/3
Translatory K.E. M2
Total K.E. [Trans. K. E. + Rot. K.E.]
Mv2 [1 + K/R2]
R2 R2
R+KR +R/2 =
43. Detemine the above ratio in case of a sphere and Ring.
Ans.

44. An eight annas coin and a four annas coin

rolls down the same inclined
plane from rest. Which one will reach
earlier (assuming no loss of
energy due to friction.
Ans. Both will reach in the same time.
45. A solid sphere, a disc and a circular ring
rolls down the same inclined
plane from rest. Which one will reach
earlier, if their is no loss of
energy duc to friction.
Ans. Solid svhere.
 Rotational Motion and Moment of Inertia 117

different size rolls down the same inclined plane from

aces of dif
spheres
Two
16. rest. Which one
will reach earlier at the oottom. (assuming no loss of
friction.)
enrgy due to
Both
Both will reach in same time; acceleration for a particular type
Ans. same.
body down the same plane is
of a 14 sphere
enhere of mass 5 kg and radius 0:2 metre rolls down a smooth
soild inclination 30. Determine the acceleration.
47. Ainclinedplane having an

Ans. 14 8
&sin9 8 sin30
8x5 148.
Acceleration1 +K/R?1+2R/SR?7/5
and radius 0-2 metre rolls down an
A circular disc of masS 2 kgtime it will take to cover a distance of 1
48. inc) What
nclined plane from rest. ang
plane, if of inclination of the plane is 30.
metre along the
Ans. 0-78 sec,
8 sine &x
Acceleration, R/2R?3
J=1+K/R?1+
s5or, 1=23 078 = 0-78.

and a circular disc of different size rolls down the same

49. A circular ring ?
inclined plane. What will be the ratio of their acceleration
Ans. 3/4.
R starts from rest from top of an
50. A solid sphere of mass M and radius
inclined plane. If it rolls without
slipping, then calculate its linear speed
when it reaches the bottom of the
inclined plane.

Ans. / 10gH

51. It is desired to rotate a solid sphere and a hollow sphere of same mass
and radius with same angular velocity, in which case more torgue is
required ?

. Ans. Hollow sphere, because its M.O.I. is greater T aI for same a.

A circular disc of mass 2 kg and radius 1 metre is to be rotated about
centre in a horizontal plane with angular acceleration of 4 rad/sec
Calculate the torque required.
Ans. 4 kg m2/sec?

T=la=(MR?) x a =x2x (1x4 =4 kgm/sec2

 118 Numericals in Physics

53. A constnt torgque of 40 Nm is applied to a wheel pivoted on a f

axis. At what rate power is being furnished to the wheel when i is
rotating at 120 revolution per minute.
Ans. 502.65 watt.
120
P=T.0= T. (2tn) =40 x 27 x0 502-6 Watt.

*54. Four point masses of value 2, 5, 6, and 3 kg are placed at the fo

corners of a square frame ABCD of side 0-4 meter having negligible
mass. Another point mass of l10 kg is placed at its centre. Calculate
the torque required to produce an acceleration of 20" sec-2 if the frame
is to be rotated about a perpendicular axis passing through the centre.
=
Ans. 0-446Nm [Hint: I=Emr2;T I«]
55. A solid sphere of mass 1 kg and radius 0-4 metre is making 180
revolutions per minute. Calculate its angular momentum.
Ans. 1-206 kgm/sec.
=
Angular momentum, L Io
-( MR x 27tn=x 1x (0-4) x 21t x 1-206 kgm/sec.

56. A thin and uniform circular ring of mass M and radius R is rotating
with uniform angular velocity @ about its axis. Two point masses
each of mass m are attached gently to the diametrically opposite points
of the ring. The ring will now rotate with what angular velocity.
M
Ans. (M+ 2m)
57. A thin uniform circular discs of mass M and radius R is rotating in a
horizontal plane about an axis passing through its centre and

.
perpendicular to its plane with an angular velocity w. If another disc of
the same dimensions but of mass M4 is placed gently on the first disc
co-axially then calculate the new angular velocity of the system.
Ans. 4
58. Is it correct to say that angular velocity and linear velocity have the
same dimension.
Ans. No.
59. Is it correct to say that any quantity that hias magnitude and direction is
a vector.
Ans. No; as for example electric current.
60. Is it correct to say that 'the M.O.I. of a body depends on the angular
velocity of the body'.
Ans. No.
61. Is it correctthat whenever the resultant force acting on a body is zero,
the body is in static equilibrium.
Ans. No; zero resultant torque is also necessary.