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

1868 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is a standard candle?


What are the differences between standing waves and progressive waves?


How might you use sound waves to smash a glass? What are other examples of resonance in everyday life?


Do heavier objects fall on the ground quicker?


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