Advanced Rotational Mechanics
Comprehensive Problem Set
For Group Based Physics Training
Abid Hossain
September 2025
Problem Set Instructions
Complete Solution Requirements: Solve each problem systematically with clear diagrams showing all
forces, torques, and geometric parameters. Include detailed derivations, step-by-step calculations, and
comprehensive reasoning for full credit.
Problem 1: The Compound Pendulum with Variable Mass Distribution
A uniform rod of mass M = 2.0 kg and length L = 1.2 m is suspended from a pivot point located at
distance d = 0.3 m from one end. Two point masses, each of mass m = 0.5 kg, can slide frictionlessly
along the rod. Initially, both masses are positioned at distances x1 = 0.2 m and x2 = 0.8 m from the
pivot point respectively.
The system is released from rest at angle θ0 = 30 from vertical. When the pendulum passes through
its lowest point, both masses simultaneously start moving toward the pivot with constant speeds vrel =
0.1 m/s relative to the rod.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw detailed diagrams showing the system at three positions: initial release, lowest point, and during
masses’ motion.
(b) Calculate the angular velocity when first reaching vertical position.
(c) Determine angular velocity immediately after masses reach the pivot.
(d) Find maximum angle reached after masses collect at pivot.
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Rotational Mechanics Advanced Physics Problems
Problem 2: The Rolling Disk on an Accelerating Wedge
A uniform solid disk of mass M = 5.0 kg and radius R = 0.4 m rolls without slipping on the inclined
surface of a wedge. The wedge has mass m = 8.0 kg and angle α = 30, and can slide freely on a horizontal
frictionless surface. Initially, the entire system is at rest.
A horizontal force F = 50 N is suddenly applied to the wedge in the rightward direction. The coefficient
of static friction between disk and wedge is µs = 0.6.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw comprehensive free-body diagrams for both disk and wedge.
(b) Determine whether the disk will slip on the wedge surface.
(c) Calculate acceleration of wedge and angular acceleration of disk.
(d) Find minimum coefficient of friction to prevent slipping.
Problem 3: The Gyroscopic Bicycle Wheel
A bicycle wheel of mass M = 3.0 kg, radius R = 0.35 m, and moment of inertia I = 0.5MR2 spins at
ω0 = 120 rpm about its axle. The wheel is held horizontally by a string attached to one end of the axle,
with the other end free. The axle has length L = 0.25 m and negligible mass.
Due to gravitational torque, the wheel begins to precess around a vertical axis passing through the
suspension point.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw detailed 3D diagram showing wheel, axle, angular momentum vector, and precession motion.
(b) Calculate the precession angular velocity Ωp .
(c) Determine how precession rate changes if wheel’s spin rate is doubled.
(d) Calculate axle angle with horizontal as function of time for small amplitude nutations.
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Rotational Mechanics Advanced Physics Problems
Problem 4: The Coupled Oscillators with Rotational Inertia
Two identical uniform disks, each of mass m = 2.0 kg and radius r = 0.15 m, are connected by a light
rigid rod of length l = 0.8 m. The system can rotate about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the rod and
passing through its center. Each disk is connected to a fixed support by a torsional spring with spring
constant κ = 5.0 N·m/rad.
The system is displaced such that one disk is rotated by angle +ϕ0 and the other by −ϕ0 , where
ϕ0 = 0.2 rad, then released from rest.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw system configuration diagram and identify all relevant parameters.
(b) Set up equations of motion for the coupled oscillator system.
(c) Find normal mode frequencies and describe corresponding motions.
(d) Calculate maximum angular velocity reached by each disk during oscillation.
Problem 5: The Spinning Top with Friction
A symmetric spinning top has mass M = 0.8 kg, height h = 0.12 m from pivot to center of mass, and
moment of inertia about symmetry axis I3 = 2.4 × 10−4 kg·m². The moment of inertia about any
perpendicular axis through center of mass is I1 = 8.0 × 10−4 kg·m².
The top initially spins at ω0 = 200 rad/s and precesses at Ω0 = 5 rad/s. Due to pivot friction, spin
angular velocity decreases at rate 2 rad/s².
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw diagram showing all angular velocities and top orientation.
(b) Write equations of motion including friction effects.
(c) Calculate how precession rate changes with time as top slows down.
(d) Determine when top will fall over (steady precession no longer possible).
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Rotational Mechanics Advanced Physics Problems
Problem 6: The Collision of Rotating Rods
Two uniform rods, each of mass M = 1.5 kg and length L = 0.6 m, can rotate freely about fixed pivots
at their centers. Rod A initially rotates with angular velocity ωA = 8.0 rad/s, while rod B is at rest. The
rods are aligned perpendicular to each other, and rod A strikes rod B at distance d = 0.2 m from rod B’s
pivot.
The collision lasts for time ∆t = 0.001 s. During collision, the contact force between rods has magnitude
F and acts perpendicular to rod A at contact point.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw detailed before/after diagrams showing configuration and motion of both rods.
(b) Apply conservation of angular momentum for each rod about respective pivot.
(c) For coefficient of restitution e = 0.6, calculate final angular velocities.
(d) Determine energy lost during collision and average collision force.
Problem 7: The Non-uniform Disk in a Magnetic Field
A disk of radius R = 0.25 m has non-uniform mass distribution with surface density σ(r) = σ0 1 + 2r
R ,
where σ0 = 2.0 kg/m² and r is distance from center. The disk is initially at rest in uniform magnetic field
B = 0.8 T pointing perpendicular to the disk.
A radial current I = 5.0 A flows from center to rim. This current interacts with the magnetic field to
produce torque causing disk rotation.
Required Tasks:
(a) Draw diagram showing disk, current flow, magnetic field, and resulting torque distribution.
(b) Calculate total mass and moment of inertia of the disk.
(c) Determine torque as function of radial position and find total torque on disk.
π
(d) Calculate angular velocity after disk rotates through angle 2 radians.
End of Problem Set
