Three objects, A : (a solid sphere), B : (a thin circular disk) and C : (a circular ring), each have the same mass M and radius R. They all spin with the same angular speed about their own symmetry axes. The amounts of work (W) required to bring them to rest, would satisfy the relation
- WC > WB > WA
- WA > WB > WC
- WB > WA > WC
- WA > WC > WB
Answer
(1) WC > WB > WA
Solution
By the work–energy theorem, work needed to stop a body = its rotational kinetic energy:
W = 12I 2 ⇒ W I (same )
Solid sphere: IA = 25MR2
Thin circular disk: IB = 12MR2
Circular ring: IC = MR2
∴ IC > IB > IA ⇒ WC > WB > WA
Answer: (1)