Physics 4A

Chapters 12: Rotation of a Rigid Body

 Question and Example Problems from Chapter 12

Conceptual Question 12-A

In the figure below, a block slides down a frictionless ramp and a sphere rolls without sliding
down a ramp of the same angle θ. The block and sphere have the same mass, start from rest at
point A, and descend through point B. (a) In that descent, is the work done by the gravitational
force on the block greater than, less than, or the same as the work done by the gravitational force
on the sphere? At B, which object has more (b) translational kinetic energy and (c) speed down
the ramp?

Conceptual Question 12-3

The figure shows three rotating disks, all of equal mass.
Rank, in order, from largest to smallest, their rotational
kinetic energies Ka to Kc.

1 2 1
12.3. The rotational kinetic energy is =
K rot I ω . For a disk,
= I MR 2 . Since the mass is the same for all three disks,
2 2
the quantity R 2ω 2 determines the ranking. Thus K a = K b > K c .

Conceptual Question 12-7

The professor hands you two spheres. They have the same mass, the same radius, and the same
exterior surface. The professor claims one is a solid sphere and the other is hollow. Can you
determine which is which without cutting them open? If so, how? If not, why not?

12.7. It will be easier to rotate the solid sphere because the hollow sphere’s mass is generally distributed farther from its
center. If you roll both simultaneously down an incline, the solid sphere will win.

Conceptual Question 12-10

Rank in order, from largest to smallest, the angular
accelerations αa to αd in the figure. Explain.

τ F
12.10. Since τ = I α, α= . Also, τ = Fr and I = mr 2 ⇒ α = . Calculate α for each case:
I mr
F0 F0 1
αa = =αc = αa
m0r0 m0 (2r0 ) 2
 2 F0 2 F0 1
αb
= = αa =αd = αa
2m0r0 (2m0 )(2r0 ) 2
So α a =α b > α c =α d .

Problem 4-41
An electric fan goes from rest to 1800 rpm in 4.0 s. What is the angular acceleration?

4.41. Model: The fan is in nonuniform circular motion.

Visualize:

 min  2
Solve: Note 1800 rev/min   = 30 rev/s. Thus ω f = ωi + α ∆t ⇒ 30 rev/s= 0 rev/s + α (4.0 s) ⇒ α = 7.5 rev/s .
 60 s 
 2π rad  2
This can be expressed as (7.5 rev/s)   = 47 rad/s .
 rev 
Assess: An increase in the angular velocity of a fan blade by 7.5 rev/s each second seems reasonable.

Problem 4-43
Starting from rest, a DVD steadily accelerates to 500 rpm in 1.0 s, rotates at this angular speed
for 3.0 s, then steadily decelerates to a halt in 2.0 s. How many revolutions does it make?

4.43. Model: The DVD is a rotating rigid body.

Visualize: The angular displacement (angle turned) is the area under the angular velocity graph.

Solve:
1 (1  rev  1 min 
=∆θ 2
s)(500 rpm) + (3 s)(500 rpm) + 12 (2.0=
s)(500 rpm) (4.5 s)  500 =  60 s  38 rev
 min  
Assess: 38 revolutions seem like a reasonable amount in 6 seconds.
 Problem 12-6
The three masses shown in the figure are connected by massless, rigid rods.
What are the coordinates of the center of mass?

12.6. Visualize: The coordinates of the three masses mA , mB , and mC are (0 cm, 0 cm), (0 cm, 10 cm), and (10 cm, 0
cm), respectively.
Solve: The coordinates of the center of mass are
mA xA + mB xB + mC xC (300 g)(0 cm) + (200 g)(0 cm) + (100 g)(10 cm)
= xcm = = 1.7 cm
mA + mB + mC (300 g + 200 g + 100 g)
mA yA + mB yB + mC yC (300 g)(0 cm) + (200 g)(10 cm) + (100 g)(0 cm)
=ycm = = 3.3 cm
mA + mB + mC (300 g + 200 g + 100 g)

Problem 12-10
What is the rotational kinetic energy of the earth? Assume the earth is a uniform sphere. Data for
the earth can be found inside the back cover of the book.

12.10. Model: The earth is a rigid, spherical rotating body.

Solve: The rotational kinetic energy of the earth is =
K rot 1
2
I ω 2 . The moment of inertia of a sphere about its diameter
(see Table 12.2) is I = 52 M earth R 2 and the angular velocity of the earth is
2π rad
ω= =7 . 27 × 10−5 rad/s
24 × 3600 s
Thus, the rotational kinetic energy is
1 2 
K rot = M earth R 2  ω 2
2  5 
1
= (5 . 98 × 1024 kg)(6 . 37 × 106 m) 2 (7 . 27 × 10−5 rad/s) 2 =2 . 57 × 1029 J
5

Problem 12-15
The three masses shown in the figure are connected by massless,
rigid rods. (a) Find the coordinates of the center of mass. (b) Find
the moment of inertia about an axis that passes through mass A and
is perpendicular to the page. (c) Find the moment of inertia about an
axis that passes through mases B and C.

12.15. Model: The three masses connected by massless rigid rods are a rigid body.
∑ mi xi (0 . 100 kg)(0 m) + (0 . 200 kg)(0 . 06 m) + (0 . 100 kg)(0 . 12 m)
Solve: (a) xcm = = = 0 . 060 m
∑ mi 0 . 100 kg + 0 . 200 kg + 0 . 100 kg

ycm
=
∑ mi yi
=
(0 . 100 kg)(0 m) + (0 . 200 kg) ( )
(0 . 10 m) 2 − (0 . 06 m) 2 + (0 . 100 kg)(0 m)
= 0 . 040 m
∑ mi 0 . 100 kg + 0 . 200 kg + 0 . 100 kg
(b) The moment of inertia about an axis through A and perpendicular to the page is
∑ mi ri2 =
IA = mB (0 . 10 m) 2 + mC (0 . 10 m) 2 =
(0 . 100 kg)[(0 . 10 m) 2 + (0 . 10 m) 2 ] =
0 . 0020 kg m 2
(c) The moment of inertia about an axis that passes through B and C is
 ( ) = 0.00128 kg m ≈ 0.0013 kg m
2
I BC = mA (0 . 10 m) 2 − (0 . 06 m) 2 2 2

Assess: Note that mass mA does not contribute to I A , and the masses mB and mC do not contribute to I BC .

Problem 12-18
In the figure, what is the net torque about the axle?

12.18. Visualize:

 
Solve: Torque by a force is defined as τ = Fr sin φ where φ is measured counterclockwise from the r vector to the F vector.
The net torque on the pulley about the axle is the torque due to the 30 N force plus the torque due to the 20 N force:
(30 N)r1 sin φ1 + (20 N)r2=
sin φ2 (30 N)(0 . 02 m) sin ( − 90 °) + (20 N)(0 . 02 m) sin (90 °)
= ( − 0 . 60 N ⋅ m) + (0 . 40 N ⋅ m) =
− 0 . 20 N ⋅ m
Assess: A negative torque causes a clockwise acceleration of the pulley.

Problem 12-20
The 20-cm-diameter disk in the figure can rotate on an axle through
its center. What is the net torque about the axle?

12.20. Model: The disk is a rotating rigid body.

Visualize:

The radius of the disk is 10 cm and the disk rotates on an axle through its center.
Solve: The net torque on the axle is
τ = FA rA sin φA + FBrB sin φB + FC rC sin φC + FD rD sin φD
= (30 N)(0.10 m)sin(− 90 °) + (20 N)(0.050 m)sin 90 ° + (30 N)(0.050 m)sin135 ° + (20 N)(0.10 m)sin 0 °
=−3 N m + 1 N m + 1.0607 N m = − 0.94 N m
Assess: A negative torque means a clockwise rotation of the disk.

Problem 12-26
A 1.0 kg ball and a 2.0 kg ball are connected by a 1.0-m-long rigid, massless rod. The rod is
rotating CW about its center of mass at 20 rpm. What net torque will bring the balls to a halt in
5.0 s?

12.26. Model: Two balls connected by a rigid, massless rod are a rigid body rotating about an axis through the center of
mass. Assume that the size of the balls is small compared to 1 m.
Visualize:

We placed the origin of the coordinate system on the 1.0 kg ball.

Solve: The center of mass and the moment of inertia are
(1.0 kg)(0 m) + (2.0 kg)(1.0 m)
=xcm = 0.667 m and ycm 0 m
=
(1.0 kg + 2.0 kg)
∑ mi ri2 =
I about cm = (1.0 kg)(0.667 m) 2 + (2.0 kg)(0.333 m) 2 =
0.667 kg m 2
We have ωf = 0 rad/s, 5.0 s, and ωi =
tf − ti = − 23 π rad/s, so ωf =
− 20(2π rad/60 s) =
−20 rpm = ωi + α (tf − ti )
becomes
 2π  2π
0 rad/s = − rad/s  + α (5.0 s) ⇒ α = rad/s 2
 3  15
Having found I and α , we can now find the torque τ that will bring the balls to a halt in 5.0 s:
2 2  2π  4π
=τ I about
= cmα  kg m  rad/s 2  =
= N m 0.28 N m
 3  15  45
The magnitude of the torque is 0.28 N m, applied in the counterclockwise direction.

Problem 12-28
A 4.0 kg, 36-cm-diamter metal disk, initially at rest, can rotate on an axle along its axis. A steady
5.0 N tangential force is applied to the edge of the disk. What is the disk’s angular velocity, in
rpm, 4.0 s later?

12.28. Model: Model the disk as solid. The torque is constant so the angular acceleration is constant.
Visualize: The disk starts from rest, so ω0 = 0.

Solve:
∆ω τ ∆t rF ∆t F ∆t (5.0 N)(4.0 s)
τ= Iα= I ⇒ ∆ω= ω1 − ω0= ω1 − 0= ω1= = = = = 55.6 rad/s= 530 rpm
∆t I 1 mr 2 1 mr 1 (4.0kg)(0.18 m)
2 2 2
Assess: 530 rpm is pretty fast but in the reasonable range.

Problem 12-32
A 5.0 kg cat and a 2.0 kg bowl of tune fish are at opposite ends of the 4.0-m-long seesaw of the
figure below. How far to the left of the pivot point must a 4.0 kg cat stand to keep the seesaw
balanced?

12.32. Model: The see-saw is a rigid body. The cats and bowl are particles.
Visualize:

Solve: The see-saw is in rotational equilibrium. Calculate the net torque about the pivot point.
τ net =
0=
( FG )1 (2.0 m) − ( FG ) 2 (d ) − ( FG ) B (2.0 m)
m2 gd m1g (2.0 m) − mB g (2.0 m)
=
(m1 − mB )(2.0 m) (5.0 kg − 2.0 kg)(2.0 m)
=d = = 1.5 m
m2 4.0 kg
Assess: The smaller cat is close but not all the way to the end by the bowl, which makes sense since the combined mass
of the smaller cat and bowl of tuna is greater than the mass of the larger cat.

Problem 12-36
A solid sphere of radius R is placed at a height of 30 cm on a 15° slope. It is released and rolls,
without slipping, to the bottom. From what height should a circular hoop of radius R be released
on the same slope in order to equal the sphere’s speed at the bottom.

12.36. Model: The mechanical energy of both the hoop (h) and the sphere (s) is conserved. The initial gravitational
potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy as the objects roll down the slope. The kinetic energy is a combination
of translational and rotational kinetic energy. We also assume no slipping of the hoop or of the sphere.
Visualize:

The zero of gravitational potential energy is chosen at the bottom of the slope.
Solve: The energy conservation equation for the sphere or hoop K f + U gf =Ki + U gi is
1 1 1 1
I (ω1 ) 2 + m(v1 ) 2 + mgy=
1 I (ω0 ) 2 + m(v0 ) 2 + mgy0
2 2 2 2
For the sphere, this becomes
1 2  (v ) 2 1
 mR 2  12s + m(v1 )s2 + 0 J = 0 J + 0 J + mghs
2 5  R 2
7
⇒ (v1 )s2 =gh ⇒ (v1 )s =10 gh /7 =10(9.8 m/s 2 )(0.30 m)/7 =2.05 m/s
10
For the hoop, this becomes
1 (v ) 2 1
(mR 2 ) 1 2h + m(v1 ) 2h + 0 J = 0 J + 0 J + mghhoop
2 R 2
(v1 ) 2h
⇒ hhoop =
g
For the hoop to have the same velocity as that of the sphere,
(v1 )s2 (2.05 m/s) 2
h=
hoop = = 42.9 cm
g 9.8 m/s 2
The hoop should be released from a height of 43 cm.

Problem 12-39
   
Vector A= 3iˆ + ˆj and vector B = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ . What is the cross product A × B ?

 
12.39. Solve: A × B = (3iˆ + ˆj ) × (3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ)
= 9iˆ × iˆ − 6iˆ × ˆj + 6iˆ × kˆ + 3 ˆj × iˆ − 2 ˆj × ˆj + 2 ˆj × kˆ
= 0 − 6kˆ + 6(− ˆj ) + 3(−kˆ) − 0 + 2iˆ = 2iˆ − 6 ˆj − 9kˆ

Problem 12-45
How fast, in rpm, would a 5.0 kg, 22-cm-diamater bowling ball have to spin to have an angular
momentum of 0.23 kg m2/s?

12.45. Model: The bowling ball is a solid sphere.

Solve: From Table 12.2, the moment of inertia about a diameter of a solid sphere is
2 2
=I = MR 2 (5.0 kg)(0.11
= m) 2 0.0242 kg m 2
5 5
Require
L 0.23 kg m 2=
= /s I=ω (0.0243 kg m 2 )ω
⇒ω = (9.5 rad/s)
 rev   60 s 
In rpm, this is (9.5 rad/s)    = 91 rpm.
 2 π rad   min 
Problem 12-65
Blocks of mass m1 and m2 are connected by a massless string that passes over the pulley in the
figure. The pulley turns on the frictionless bearings. Mass m1 slides on a horizontal, frictionless
surface. Mass m2 is released while the blocks are at rest. (a) Assume the pulley is massless. Find
the acceleration of mass m1 and the tension in the string. This is a Chapter 7 review problem. (b)
Suppose the pulley has mass mp and radius R. Find the acceleration of m1 and the tensions in the
upper and lower portions of the string. Verify that the answers agree with part a is you set mp=0.

12.65. Model: Assume the string does not slip on the pulley.
Visualize:

The free-body diagrams for the two blocks and the pulley are shown. The tension in the string exerts an upward force on
the block m2 , but a downward force on the outer edge of the pulley. Similarly the string exerts a force on block m1 to the
right, but a leftward force on the outer edge of the pulley.
Solve: (a) Newton’s second law for m1 and m2 is T = m1a1 and T − m2 g =
m2a2 . Using the constraint −a2 =+ a1 =a, we
have T = m1a and −T + m2 g =m2a. Adding these equations, we get m2=
g (m1 + m2 )a, or
m2 g m1m2 g
a= ⇒ T= m1a=
m1 + m2 m1 + m2
(b) When the pulley has mass m, the tensions (T1 and T2 ) in the upper and lower portions of the string are different.
Newton’s second law for m1 and the pulley are:
T1 =
m1a and − Iα
T1R − T2 R =
We are using the minus sign with α because the pulley accelerates clockwise. Also, =
a Rα . Thus, T1 = m1a and
I a aI
T2 − T1= =
R R R2
Adding these two equations gives
 I 
T2 a  m1 + 2 
=
 R 
Newton’s second law for m2 is T2 − m2 g = −m2a. Using the above expression for T2 ,
m2a2 =

 I  m2 g
a  m1 + 2  + m2a= m2 g ⇒ a=
 R  m1 + m2 + I / R 2

Since I = 12 mp R 2 for a disk about its center,

m2 g
a=
m1 + m2 + 12 mp

With this value for a we can now find T1 and T2:

1
m1m2 g 2 m2 g  1  m2 (m1 + 2 mp ) g
T1 m=
= 1a T2 a (m1 + I / R=
= )  m1 + m=
p 
m1 + m2 + 12 mp (m1 + m2 + 12 mp )  2  m1 + m2 + 12 mp

Assess: For m = 0 kg, the equations for a, T1 and T2 of part (b) simplify to
m2 g m1m2 g m1m2 g
=a = and T1 = and T2
m1 + m2 m1 + m2 m1 + m2
These agree with the results of part (a).

Problem 12-69
A hollow sphere is rolling along a horizontal floor at 5.0 m/s when it comes to a 30° incline.
How far up the incline does it roll before reversing direction?

12.69. Model: Assume that the hollow sphere is a rigid rolling body and that the sphere rolls up the incline without
slipping. We also assume that the coefficient of rolling friction is zero.
Visualize:

The initial kinetic energy, which is a combination of rotational and translational energy, is transformed in gravitational
potential energy. We chose the bottom of the incline as the zero of the gravitational potential energy.
Solve: The conservation of energy equation K f + U gf =Ki + U gi is
1 2 1 1 1
M (v1 )cm + I cm (ω1 ) 2 + Mgy
= 1
2
M (v0 )cm + I cm (ω0 ) 2 + Mgy0
2 2 2 2
1 2 1 2  1 1 (v ) 2
0 J + 0 J +=
Mgy1 M (v0 )cm +  MR 2  (ω0 )cm
2
+ 0 J ⇒=
Mgy1 2
M (v0 )cm + MR 2 0 2cm
2 2 3  2 3 R
5 (v ) 2
5 2 6 0 cm 5 (5.0 m/s) 2
gy1
⇒= (v0 )cm ⇒
= y1 = = 2.126 m
6 g 6 9.8 m/s 2
The distance traveled along the incline is
y1 2 . 126 m
s= = = 4.3 m
sin 30 ° 0.5
Assess: This is a reasonable stopping distance for an object rolling up an incline when its speed at the bottom of the
incline is approximately 10 mph.

Problem 12-75
The marble rolls down the track shown in the figure and around a loop-the-loop of radius R. The
marble has mass m and radius r. What minimum height h must the track have for the marble to
make it around the loop-the-loop without falling off?

12.75. Model: Assume that the marble does not slip as it rolls down the track and around a loop-the-loop. The
mechanical energy of the marble is conserved.
Visualize:

Solve: The marble’s center of mass moves in a circle of radius R − r . The free-body diagram on the marble at its highest
position shows that Newton’s second law for the marble is
mv 2
mg + n = 1
R−r
The minimum height (h) that the track must have for the marble to make it around the loop-the-loop occurs when the
normal force of the track on the marble tends to zero. Then the weight will provide the centripetal acceleration needed for
the circular motion. For n → 0 N,
mv 2
mg = ⇒ v12 = g ( R − r )
(R − r)

Since rolling motion requires v12 = r 2ω12 , we have

g (R − r)
ω12r 2= g ( R − r ) ⇒ ω12=
r2
The conservation of energy equation is
1 2 1 2
( K f + U gf ) top of loop =( Ki + U gi )initial ⇒ mv1 + I ω1 + mgy1 =mgy0 =mgh
2 2
Using the above expressions and I = 52 mr 2 the energy equation simplifies to

1 1 2  g (R − r) 
mg ( R − r ) +   mr 2   + mg 2( R − r ) = mgh ⇒ h =2 . 7( R − r )
2 2 5  r2 

Problem 12-89
The figure shows a cube of mass m sliding without friction at speed v0.
It undergoes a perfectly elastic collision with the bottom tip of the rod
of length d and mass M = 2m. The rod is pivoted about a frictionless
axle though its center, and initially it hangs straight down and is at rest.
What is the cube’s velocity – both speed and direction – after the
collision?
12.89. Model: Define the system as the rod and cube. Energy and angular momentum are conserved in a perfectly
elastic collision in the absence of a net external torque. The rod is uniform.
Visualize: Please refer to Figure CP12.89.
Solve: Let the final speed of the cube be vf , and the final angular velocity of the rod be ω . Energy is conserved,
and angular momentum around the rod’s pivot point is conserved.
1 2 1 2 1
Ei =⇒
Ef mv0 =mvf + I rodω 2
2 2 2
d
  d
 
Li =
Lf ⇒ mv0   = mvf   + I rodω
2 2
This is two equations in the two unknowns vf and ω . From Table 12.2,
1 1 1
I rod
= = Md 2 (2
= m) d 2 md 2
12 12 6
From the angular momentum equation,
d 3
v0 = vf + ω ⇒ω = (v0 − vf )
3 d
Substituting into the energy equation,
1 2 1 2 11  9 
mv0 = mvf +  md 2  2  (v0 − vf ) 2
2 2 2 6  d 
3
v02 =
vf2 + (v0 − vf ) 2
2
2 6 1
0 =−
vf v0vf + v02
5 5
This is a quadratic equation in vf . The roots are
2
6 6   v2 
v0 ±  v0  − 4  0 
5 5   5 
  3 2
vf
= = v0 ± v0
2 5 5
 15 v0
=
 v0
1
The answer vf = v0 means the ice cube missed the rod. So vf = v0 to the right.
5

Problem 12-A
A solid steel ball of mass 0.50 kg and diameter 20 cm is held in place against a spring with
spring constant k = 100 N/m, compressing the spring a distance x = 30 cm. The ball is then
released from rest and rolls without slipping along a horizontal floor. It then makes a smooth
transition to an inclined plane and rolls without slipping up the plane as shown in the figure
below.
x
d

30.0o
Problem 12-B
In the figure below, a solid ball rolls smoothly from rest (starting at height H = 6.0 m) until it
leaves the horizontal section at the end of the track at height h = 2.0 m. How far horizontally
from point A does the ball hit the floor?
Problem 12-C
At the instant the displacement of a 2.00 kg object relative to the origin is
 
d = (2.00 m )iˆ + (4.00 m ) ˆj − (3.00 m )kˆ its velocity is v =−(6.00 m / s )iˆ + (3.00 m / s ) ˆj + (3.00 m / s )kˆ

and it is subject to a force F = (6.00 N )iˆ − (8.00 N ) ˆj + (4.00 N )kˆ . Find (a) the acceleration of the
object, (b) the angular momentum of the object about the origin, (c) the torque about the origin
acting on the object, and (d) the angle between the velocity of the object and the force acting on
the object.
Problem 12-D
In the figure below, a small 50 g block slides down the frictionless surface through height h = 20
cm and then sticks to a uniform rod of mass 100 g and length 40 cm. The rod pivots about point
O through the angle θ before momentarily stopping. Find θ.