Consider a solid sphere of radius R and mass M rolling without slipping. Which form of kinetic energy is larger, translational or rotational?
A) Translational kinetic energy is larger.
B) Rotational kinetic energy is larger.
C) Both are equal.
D) You need to know the speed of the sphere to tell.
E) You need to know the acceleration of the sphere to tell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a solid sphere rolling without slipping, the translational kinetic energy (1/2 Mv^2) is larger than the rotational kinetic energy (1/5 Mv^2) because the moment of inertia for a solid sphere is (2/5)MR^2.

Consider a Solid Sphere of Radius R and Mass M