Two people sit opposite each other on the edge of a rotating disk of radius, R, and negligible mass. One person has a mass of 40kg, the other of 50kg. The disk is rotating at 30 revs/min. What is the rotational kinetic energy if R=1.5m?

Rotational Kinetic Energy (KE) = (1/2) x Moment of Inertia (I) x (Angular Velocity (w) )2I=SUM(MR2) = 40 x (1.5)2 + 50 x (1.5)2 = 90 x (1.5)2 = 202.5 kgm2w= 30 revs / min = 30 x (2π/60) = π (rad/s)KE= 0.5 x 202.5 x π2 = 101.25 π2
KE= 999.297.... ~ 1000J

JS
Answered by Joe S. Physics tutor

1831 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to solve horizontally-launched projectile motion problems using equations of motion?


How do capacitors work and what are its units?


Define the terms "acceleration" and "displacement". Explain simple harmonic motion with reference to both of these quantities.


An ideal gas undergoes a transformation in which both its pressure and volume double. How many times does the root mean square speed of the gas molecules increase?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning