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The following table contains the expressions for moments of inertia of uniform bodies of various shapes:

Rotational Motion

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Find the moment of inertia of a uniform ring of mass

m and radius r about an axis, AA' touching the ring
tangentially and lying in the plane of the ring only,
as shown in figure 7.33 (a).

28

fig. 7.33(a)
r
rin
g

Solution: The axis AA' is parallel to the axis

passing through the centre of mass of the ring and
lying in the plane of the ring only, as shown in figure
7.33 (b). Using parallel axis theorem, we get,

I = I cm + mh 2
=
=

fig. 7.33(b)

mr
+ mr 2
4

rin
g

A
Icm

5 2
mr
4

A disc of radius R/2 has been removed from a disc of radius R and
mass M, as shown in figure 7.34. Find the moment of inertia of the
remaining body about an axis which is perpendicular to the plane
of the body and touches it tangentially as shown in figure (axis is
perpendicular to the plane of the body).

R/2

axis

Solution: We have,

fig. 7.34

I remaining = I initial I removed

3
3
2
= minitial R 2 mremoved ( R 2)
2
2

3
3 M R2
MR 2
2
2 4 4

45
MR 2
32

Find the moment of inertia of a thin rod AB of length l about an axis

perpendicular to the length of the rod and passing through its ends
A. Mass per unit length for the rod at a distance r from the end A is
given as

(r ) = 0 + r
where 0 and are positive constants.
Rotational Motion

2
mremoved = R 2 ( R 2) = M 4

l
axis
fig. 7.35(a)
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Solution: Let us divide the rod into several elements so that each element can be considered as a point mass. Such
an element of mass dm and length dr is shown in figure 7.35 (b) at a distance r from the axis of rotation. The moment
of inertia of the element

dI = dm r 2

dr

= ( dr ) r

= ( ( 0 + r ) dr ) r

l
axis

fig. 7.35(b)

= 0r dr + r dr
Therefore, the moment of inertia of the rod is
2

dm

I = dI
l

= 0 r dr + r 3 dr
2

0l 3 l 4
+
3
4

m, l

Find the moment of inertia of a uniform rod of mass m and

length l about an axis passing through one of the ends of
the rod and making an angle with the length of the rod, as
shown in figure 7.36(a).

axis

Solution: The moment of inertia of the element shown in figure 7.36 (b) is

fig. 7.36(a)

dI = dm ( r sin ) 2
m
r sin is the distance of
= dr ( r sin ) 2 the element from the axis

m, l

m sin 2 2
=
r dr
l
Therefore, the moment of inertia of the rod is

dm

I = dI

m sin 2 2
=
r dr
l
0
l

dr

[ is same for all elements ]

axis
fig. 7.36(b)

m sin 2 l 3

l
3

ml 2 sin 2
3
ALTERNATE METHOD:
=

Consider the situation shown in figure 7.36 (c). The rod AB can be made from the rod A'B' by displacing its each
element parallel to the axis of rotation and by different distances.
Rotational Motion

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B m, l

Therefore, the moment of inertia of the rod AB

= the moment of inertia of the rod A B

m(l sin ) 2
3

As the distribution of
mass in A B is uniform

stretch

ml 2 sin 2
=
3

A'

B'
axis
fig. 7.36(c)

NOTE: Whenever you use this approach of

displacement of mass parallel to the axis must be
careful. Analyze the situation shown in figure 7.37.
A uniform cone is compressed along the length
parallel to its axis to get a disc. Here we cannot
say that the moment of inertia of the cone about its
MR 2
axis is
because the disc we have got is not
2
a uniform one. If we have the moment of inertia of
this nonuniform disc then of course that will be equal
to the moment of inertia of the cone about
the axis of symmetry.

Compress

Compress
Cone
After Compression
Disc (nonuniform)

fig. 7.37: When we compress the cone along the length

parallel to its axis, we get a disc which is not uniform.
Density of the disc is highest at its centre and it decreases
with radial distance from the centre.

Find the moment of inertia of the body shown in

figure about the axis passing through the point O
and perpendicular to the plane of the body. The
shown body has a mass M and it is one-fourth
part of a uniform disc of radius R.

R
fig. 7.38(a)

O
axis

Solution: If we combine four such bodies to form the complete disc, then,
moment of inertia of the complete disc is
I0 = 4I
...(i)
where I is the moment of inertia of each of the four parts of the disc.
Again, mass of the disc is 4M and radius is R, therefore,
R2
I 0 = (4M )
2
From equations (i) and (ii), we have,
4I = 4M
I=

Radius = R

...(ii)

R2
2

MR 2
2

M
M

O
M
axis
fig. 7.38(b)

= moment of inertia of the given body.

Rotational Motion

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ALTERNATE METHOD:
The distribution of mass with respect to the given axis of rotation in the given body has the same fashion as that in a
uniform disc, hence, the moment of inertia of the given body is
RADIUS OF GYRATION: The radius of
gyration, k, of a body about an axis is the distance
from the axis where the whole mass of the body
can be assumed to be concentrated so that the
moment of inertia about that axis remains the same.If
k be the radius of gyration of the body shown in
figure 7.39, then the entire mass can be assumed
to be concentrated at a distance k from the axis.
As the moment of inertia is same in both the
situtations, we have,

Rotational Motion

k= M I

M, I

axis

axis
fig. 7.39

I = Mk 2

MR 2
.
2

...(7.22)

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32

"
"
find the torque " " " .
x + jFy + kF
and F = iF
(a) Given that r = ix
+ jy + kz
=r F
z
"
"
(b) Show that if r and F lie in a given plane then has no component in that plane.

2.

Torque is defined as
(a) a force tending to cause rotation
(b) the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of
the force
(c) the product of the force and the angular displacement
(d) the product of the force and the angular velocity
(e) the rotational work done

3.

In show the line of a action and the moment arm of each force about the origin O. Imagine these forces to be
acting on a rigid body pivoted at O, all vectors shown being in the plane of the figure, and find the magnitude
and the direction of the resultant torque on the body.
1 !
F1

! O
r1

!
r2

! 2
F2

4.

Starting from Newtons third law, prove that the resultant internal torque on a system of particles is zero.

5.

Can a given rigid body have more than one moment of inertia?
"
"
Compute the torque about the origin for the force F = mgj and r = xi + yj and show that this torque is
independent of the coordinate y.

6.
7.

A particle of mass m is projected with a speed u at an angle with the horizontal. Find the torque of the
weight of the particle about the point of projection when the particle is at the highest point. y

8.

A force of magnitude F is applied horizontally in the negative x direction to the rim of a disk of radius R, as shown in
"
"
figure. Write F and r in terms of the unit vectors i, j
and k and compute the torque produced by the force about
the origin at the center of the disk.

F
c

9.

Five particles, each of which has a mass of 0.24 kg, are fixed at positions that are equally spaced along a
meter stick with one of these particles at each end. What is the moment of inertia about an axis that is
perpendicular to the meter stick (which has negligible mass) and through the center of mass of this rigid
body?
(a) 0.30 kg m
(b) 0.15 kg m
(c) 0.25 kg m
(d) 0.20 kg m
(e) 0.35 kg m.

10.

Two particles (m1 = 0.20 kg, m2 = 0.30 kg) are positioned at the ends of a 2.0 m long rod of negligible
mass. What is the moment of inertia of this rigid body about an axis perpendicualr to the rod and through the
center of mass?
(a) 0.48 kg m
(b) 0.50 kg m
(c) 1.2 kg m
(d) 0.80 kg m
(e) 0.70 kg m.

Rotational Motion

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PHYSICS

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12.

13.

14.

15.

33

If M = 0.50 kg, L = 1.2 m, and the mass of each connecting rod shown in negligible, what is the moment of
inertia about an axis perpendicular to the paper through the center of mass? Treat the mass as particles.
(a) 3.7 kg m
(b) 2.8 kg m
L
L
(c) 3.2 kg m
M
M
3M
(d) 2.3 kg m
(e) 3.9 kg m.
The rotational inertia of an object about an axis depends on the
(a) angular velocity about the aixs
(b) angular acceleration about the axis
(c) mass distribution about the axis
(d) torque about the axis
(e) linear acceleration about the axis
To increase the moment of inertia of a body about an axis, you must
(a) increase the angular acceleration
(b) increase the angular velocity
(c) decrease the angular velocity
(d) make the body occupy less space
(e) place part of the body farther from the axis
In the figure R1 = R2 and cm is the center of mass. The rotational
inertia about an axis through point P1 is I1, the rotational inertia
about an axis through point P2 is I2, and the rotational inertia about
an axis through the cm is Icm. The relationship among the moments
is
(a)

I1 = I 2 > I cm

(b)

I1 = I 2 < I cm

(c)

I1 > I 2 > I cm

(d)

I1 < I cm > I 2

(e)

I1 = I 2 = I cm

A homogeneous solid cylinder of mass m, length L, and radius R rotates about an axis through point P which
1
2
is parallel to the cylinder axis. If the moment of inertia about the cylinder axis is mR , the moment of
2
inertia about the axis through P is
(a)
(c)
(e)

16.

LOCUS

0.4mR 2
2
mR 2
3
1.5mR2

(b)

1
mR 2
2

(d) mR2

Four particles of mass m are connected by massless rods

to form a rectangle of sides 2a and 2b as shown. The
assembly rotates about an axis in the plane of the figure
through the centre (Shown in figure). Find the moment of
inertia of this system about this axis.

Axis of rotation

2b

2a

Rotational Motion

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34

17.

Use the parallel - axis theorem and to find the moment of

inertia of a solid sphere about an axis tangent to the sphere.

18.

Figure shows a pair of uniform spheres each of mass 500 g and radius 5 cm. They are mounted on a uniform
rod which has length L = 30 cm and mass 60 g.
(a) Calculate the moment of inertia of this system about an axis perpendicular to the rod through the enter
of the rod, using the approximation that the two spheres can be treated as point particles a distance
20 cm from the axis of rotation and that the mass of the rod is negligible.
(b)

Calculate the moment of inertia exactly and compare your result with your approximate value.

10cm

L = 30cm

10cm

m = 60cm
500g

500g
Axis of
rotation

19.

Find the moment of inertia of a rectangular plate of mass m and dimensions ab, as shown in figure, about
the axis passing through one of its vertices and perpendicular to its plane.

a
a
top view

axis

20.

From the result obtained in the previous question, find the moment of inertia of the cuboid about an axis
passing through one of its edges, as shown in figure.

b
h

axis

21.

mass = m

The moment of inertia of a uniform semicircular wire of mass M and radius r about a line perpendicular to
the plane of the wire through the centre is
(a)

Mr

(b)

(c)

1
Mr
4

(d)

Rotational Motion

1
Mr
2
2
Mr.
5
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22.

A body having its centre of mass at the origin has three of its particles at (a, 0, 0). (0, a, 0), (0, 0, a). the
moments of inertia of the body about the X and Y axes are 0.20 kg-m each. The moment of inertia about
the Z-axis.
(a) is 0.20 kg-m
(b) is 0.40 kg-m
(c) is 0.20 2 kg-m
(d) cannot be deduced with this information.

23.

A thin wire of length L and uniform linear mass density is bent into a circular loop with center at O as
shown. The moment of inertia of the loop about the axis XX is :
(a)

L
8 2

(c)

5L
162

(b)

L
162

(d)

3L
82

X'

90
O

24.

The surface density (mass/area) of a circular disc of radius depends on the distance from the centre as
p ( r ) = A + Br . Find its moment of inertia about the line perpendicular to the plane of the disc through its
centre.

25.

Find the moment of inertia of a uniform square plate of mass m and edge a about one of its diagonals.

26.

Find the radius of gyration of a circular ring of radius r about a line perpendicular to the plane of the ring and
passing through on of its particles.

27.

The radius of gyration of a uniform disc about a line perpendicular to the disc equals its radius. Find the
distance of the line from the centre.

28.

From a circular disc of radius R and mass 9M a small disc of radius R/3 is
removed from the disc. The moment of inertia of the remaining disc about
an axis perpendicular to the plane of the disc and passing through O is :
40
MR 2
(a) 4MR 2
(b)
9
(c)

10MR 2

(d)

R/3
2R/3
R

37
MR 2
9

29.

4
1
The moment of inertia of a thin square plate ABCD, of uniform thickness about an
A
B
axis passing through the centre O and perpendicular to the plane of the plate is :
(a) I1 + I 2
3
(b) I 3 + I 4
O
(c) I1 + I 3
D
C
(d) I1 + I 2 + I 3 + I 4
2
where I1 , I 2 , I 3 and I 4 are respectively moments of inertia about axes 1, 2,3, and 4 which are in the plane
of the plate.

30.

Let I be the moment of inertia of a uniform square plate about an axis AB that passes through its centre and
is parallel to two of its sides. CD is a line in the plane of the plate that passes through the centre of the plate
and makes and angle with AB. The moment of inertia of the plate about the axis CD is then equal to :
(a) I
(b) I sin 2
(c) I cos 2
(d) I cos 2 ( / 2)

31.

A 0.5 kg particle falls under the influence of gravity. (a) It is at y = 10m and x = 2m at time t1 . What is the
torque about the origin exerted by gravity on the particle at this time? (b) At some later time the particle is at
y = 0 , x = 2m. What is the torque about the origin at this time?

Rotational Motion

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ANGULAR ACCELERATION PRODUCED BY A TORQUE:

In terms of moment of inertia, equation (7.18) can be written as
net = I
...(7.19 a)
The vector form of the above equation is
"
"
...(7.19 b)
net = I
The angular acceleration produced is along the direction of applied net external torque. The magnitude of the
produced angular acceleration is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net external torque and"inversely
"
proportional to the moment of inertia of the body. The above relation looks the translational equation Fnet = ma.
Here, you should not forget that = I is not an independent rule. It is derived from F = ma only. We can establish
an analogue between translational and rotational variables. By doing so concept developed so far for translational
motion would help to solve the problems involving rotational motion. The possible analogue is as follows
TRANSLATIONAL

ROTATIONAL

VARIABLE / EXPRESSION

VARIABLE / EXPRESSION

(i )

distance traversed, S

angle turned,

(ii )

s
average speed, v =
t

average angular speed, =

(iii )

intantaneous speed, v =

(iv )

average acceleration, a =

(v )

instantaneous acceleration, a =

d
dt

average angular acceleration, =

t

ds
dt

instantaneous angular speed, =

dv
dt
dv
dt

instantaneous angular acceleration, =

(vi )

mass, m

moment of inertia, I

(vii )

force, F

torque,

(viii ) F = ma

= I

(ix)
( x)

Angular momentum, l
l = I
dl
=
dt
conservation of angular momentum:
When = 0, l = constant.
rotational kinetic energy,

linear momentum, p
p = mv
dp
( xi) F =
dt
( xii) conservation of linear momentum:
When F = 0, p = constant.
( xiii) translational kinetic energy,
( xiv)

k = 12 mv2

k = 12 I 2

work done, d = F ds

work done, d = d

d
dt

Angular quantities involved in analogues (ix) to (xiv) would be discussed later in this topic.

Find the angular acceleration of the rod given in example 4 at the moment
(a)

when it is released from rest in the horizontal position;

(b)

when it makes an angle with the horizontal.

Rotational Motion

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r = l/2
Solution: After the moment when the rod is released from the rest
in the horizontal position , it would rotate in the vertical plane about
O
a horizontal axis passing through the hinge and perpendicular to the

length of the rod. Initial angular velocity of the rod is zero but due

to nonzero torque of gravity it has some angular acceleration and

mg
hence, it will acquire some angular speed as it rotates. As
fig. 7.40(a)
discussed in example 4, the hinge force does not provide any
torque about the axis under consideration and the weight of the rod tries to rotate it in the clockwise
sense, i.e.,
" "
it provides a torque perpendicularly, inward to the plane of the paper. An approach using r F to find the torque
would also give the same result. Hence, angular acceleration of the rod,

=
=

net gravity
=
I
I
mg l 2
ml 2 3

3g
2 l
When the rod makes an angle with the horizontal, its angular acceleration,
=

(b)

=
=

net mg
=
I
I

r = l/2 cos

mg r
I

l
mg cos
2
=
ml 2
3
3g
=
cos
2 l

[from figure 7.40 (b)]

mg
fig. 7.40(b)

In the previous case, find the angular velocity of the rod when it has turned through an angle after the moment when
it was released from rest in the horizontal position. Also find the angular velocity when the rod becomes vertical.
Solution: From the result obtained in part (b) of the previous example, at some angle , the angular acceleration of
the rod,

3g
cos
2 l

d 3 g
cos
=
dt
2 l

d d 3 g

=
cos
d dt 2 l

.d =
0

Rotational Motion

3g
cos d
2 l 0

[Using chain rule.]

at = 0, = 0]

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2
3g

sin ]0
[
=
2 0 2 l

2 3 g
=
sin
2
2 l

3g sin
l

When the rod becomes vertical, = 2, and hence, angular velocity,

= 3g l

In the previous example, find the hinge force on the rod at = 0.

Solution: Just after the moment when the rod was released from the rest in the horizontal position, it is shown in
figure 7.41(a). Let the vertical component of the force on the rod from the hinge be R1 and the horizontal component
of the same be R2 , as shown in figure. The subsequent motion of the centre of mass of the rod is a nonuniform
circular notice on the vertical circular path of radius l/2 with the centre at the hinge, as suggested in the figure.
Initially the rod is at rest and hence radial component of the acceleration of the centre of mass of the rod, r, is zero.
Hence, applying Fnet = macm along the radial direction, we get
Fnet, radial = macm, radial

R1

R2 = m 0

=0
Applying the same along the tangential direction, we have,

R2

Fnet, tangential = macm, tangential

l
acm =. 2

=0
g
= 3
2 l

mg

l
mg R1 = m
2

fig. 7.41(a)

l
R1 = mg m
2
3
= mg mg
4
=

1
mg
4

2
2
Net hinge force = R1 + R2 =

Rotational Motion

1
mg .
4

[ R2 = 0]

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In the previous example, find the magnitude of the net hinge force on the rod when the rod has turned through an
angle .
Solution: If be the angular velocity of the rod when it has turned through an angle , the centre of mass of the rod
l
2 l
has
and as radial and tangential components of its acceleration, respectively, as shown in figure 7.41(b).
2
2
Applying Fext = Macm on the rod along the radial direction, we have,
l
2

R2 mg sin = m 2

3
R2 = mg sin + mg sin
2

5
mg sin
2
Applying the same along the tangential direction, we have,

R2

R1

2
l
2

mg cos R1 = m

l
2

l
R1 = mg cos m
2
3
= mg cos mg cos
4

3g sin
l
3g
cos
=
2 l
=

. l
2

mg

fig. 7.41(b): Rod when it makes an angle with the

horizontal. R 1 , R2 are perpendicular and radial
components, respectively, of the reaction force acting
on the rod from the hinge.
NOTE: You can also assume reaction force as R and
acting at some angle with the rod.

1
mg cos
4
Therefore, net force on the rod from the hinge can be obtained by solving
=

R = R12 + R22

If the disc given in example 5 has mass M and it is free to rotate about its symmetrical axis passing through O, find
its angular acceleration.
Solution: If be the angular acceleration of the disc, then, using net = I , we have,

=
=

net
I

3FR
( MR 2 2)

6F
MR
As the net torque is in clockwise sense, has the same sense of rotation.
=

Rotational Motion

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A uniform disc of radius 0.12 m and mass 5 kg is pivoted so that it

rotates freely about its axis. A thin, massless and inextensible string
wrapped around the disc is pulled with a force of 20 N, as shown
in figure 7.42(a) .
(a) What is the torque exerted on the disc about its axis?
(b) What is the angular acceleration of the disc?
(c) If the disc starts from rest, what is the angular
velocity after 3s?

40

5 kg
R
20 N
fig. 7.42(a)

Solution: It is obvious that the string force gives a torque to the disc in the clockwise direction. As the torque given
by the force from the axle is zero. Net torque on the disc is,
net = torque of the string force

= F r
= FR

5 kg
R
20 N

= (20 N) (0.12 m)
fig. 7.42(b)
= 2.4 N-m.
As the net torque on the disc is in clockwise direction, the disc has angular acceleration in the same direction. If
be the magnitude of the angular acceleration,

=
=

net
net
=
I
( MR 2 2)

2.4 2
rad/s 2
2
5 (0.12)

$ 66.66 rad/s 2
At t = 0 if the disc has zero angular velocity, then, at some time t, its angular velocity,

= in + t
0

= t
At t = 3 s,

= 200 rad/s

A uniform disc of radius R and mass M is mounted on an axis

supported in fixed frictionless bearing. A light string is wrapped
around the rim of the disc and a body of mass m is supported by
the string, as shown in figure 7.43(a).
(a)
find the angular acceleration of the disc;
(b)
find the magnitude of the tangential acceleration of
the point on the rim where the string separates
from the rim.
(c)
if the system is released from rest at t = 0, find the
speed of the block at some time t (>0).

Rotational Motion

M, R, Disc

fig. 7.43(a)

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41

Solution: Analyze the situation according to the information provided in the figure 7.43(b). You should also note the
following points:

Only tension force of the string, T, produces a torque on the disc about its centre O. Torque of the weight of
the disc and that of the reaction force from the bearing are zero about O.

If be the angular acceleration of the disc (in the clockwise direction) then the point P on the disc has a
tangential acceleration R in the vertically downward direction at the moment shown in figure. The string
unwinds at the same acceleration and the block has the same acceleration in the vertically downward
direction. Therefore, if a be the acceleration of the block, then,
...(i)
a = R
Now, applying net = I on the disc about its symmetrical axis, we have,
net = I

MR 2

T .R =
2

T=

MR
2

T=

Ma
2

[Using (i)

...(ii)

Using Fnet = ma for the block in the vertical direction, we have,

fig. 7.43(b)

Fnet = ma

a
mg

mg T = ma
Adding (ii) and (iii), we get,

...(iii)

mg = + m a
2

m
g R
a=
m + M 2

If v be the speed of the block at some time t, then, we have,

v = u + at

= at

[ a is constant ]
[ u = 0]

m
=
gt
m + M 2

Find the acceleration of m1 and m2 in an Atwoods Machine,

shown in figure 7.44(a), if there is friction present between the
surface of pulley and the thread does not slip over the surface of
the pulley. Moment of inertia of the pulley about its symmetrical
axis is I and its radius is R. The pulley can rotate freely about its
symmetrical axis.

I, R
fig. 7.44(a)
m2
m1

Rotational Motion

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Solution: Due to friction between the pulley and the thread tensions in the parts of the thread on the two sides of the
pulley are different. Let that in the right part it is T1 and that in the left part is T2 , as shown in figure 7.44(b). Forces
acting on the two blocks and the pulley are also shown in figure 7.44(b). Force on the pulley from the support and
its weight are not shown because they do not produce torque on the pulley about its symmetrical axis of rotation. If
the block m1 comes down with an acceleration a then m2 would go up with the same acceleration because they
are connected by the same string, as shown in the same figure.7.44(b).
R

T2

T1

T2

T1
m2

m1

m2 g

m1 g

T2

T1

a
a
a

fig. 7.44(b)

fig. 7.44(c)

fig. 7.44(d)

If we assume that the pulley gets an angular acceleration in the clockwise sense then the torque of T1 would be
positive and that of T2 would be negative, as suggested in figure 7.44(c).
Again, as any point on the rim of the pulley has a tangential acceleration R, the block m1 comes down and the
block m2 goes up with the same acceleration, as shown in figure 7.44(d).
Therefore, we can write,

a = R
Using

...(i)

Fnet = ma for the two blocks, we have,

m1g T1 = m1a

...(ii)

[for m1 ]

T2 m2 g = m2a

...(iii)

[for m2 ]

...(iv)

torque of support force

and weight are zero

Using net = I for the pulley, we have,

+T1 R T2 R = I
Substituting from (i) in (iv), we get,
T1 T2 = I

a
R2

...(v)

Adding (ii), (iii) and (v), we get,

I

( m1 m2 ) g = m1 + m2 + 2 a

Rotational Motion

m1 m2
a=
g
2
m1 + m2 + I R

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43

F1

A thin uniform rod AB of mass m = 1.0 kg moves translationally

with acceleration a = 2.0 m/s due to two antiparallel force F1 and
F2 acting on it perpendicularly to its length, as shown in figure
7.45. The distance between the points at which these forces are
applied is x = 20 cm. Besides, it is known that F2 = 5.0 N. Find
the length of the rod.

x
F2
a = 2.0 m/s

fig. 7.45

Solution: Before analyzing the details of the given situation, let us analyze the rotational effect of two antiparallel
forces. Consider the situations shown in figure 7.45.
2

F1

F1

F2

F2
1 C
2

F2
(a): F1 and F2 are producing torques
about A in opposite directions.

B 1

F1

(b): F1 and F2 are producing torques

about B in opposite directions.

(c): F1 and F2 are producing torques

about C in the same direction

If we analyze the torques of the two forces about every point in their plane containing them, then, we arrive at the
conclusion that if the point lies between the lines of action of F1 and F2 then torques of the forces about that point
add up together otherwise they are in opposite directions.
If the magnitudes of the two forces are equal then such a pair is called as a couple. If the magnitude of each force is
F and the distance between their lines of application is d, then, the net torque about any point in their plane is F.d,
as shown in figure 7.47.
(a)

F1 = F

(b)

O 1

(c)

F1= F

F2 =F
2
O

net = 1 2
= F (l + d ) Fl
= Fd

d1
1

d2

F2 =F

net = 2 1
= F (l + d ) Fl
= Fd
fig. 7.47: Torque of a couple.

Rotational Motion

F2 =F

F1 = F

net = 1 + 2
= F1 d1 + F2 d 2
= F (d1 + d 2 )
= F d

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PHYSICS

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Now, let us discuss the given case. As the rod is in pure translation
motion, net torque on it about any point must be zero. Therefore,
the centre of mass of rod can not lie between the lines of action of
the forces because in that case torques produced by then about
the centre of mass do not cancel each other.
Let us assume that the centre of mass of the rod lies at a distance y
away from the line of action of F2 , as shown in figure 4.48. As the
rod translates towards right, F2 must have a greater magnitude
than F1.

44

F1
x
F2

a = 2.0 m/s
C

fig. 7.48

Using Fnet = ma, we have

F2 F1 = ma

F1 = F2 ma

= (5 1 2) N
=3N
Again, as the net torque on the rod about C must be zero,

magnitude of the torque

magnitude of the torque
produced by F1 about C = produced by F2 about C

F1 ( x + y ) = F2 y

( F2 F1 ) y = F1 x

y=

the two torques have

opposite directions

F1
x
F2 F1

3
20 cm
53
= 30 cm
Length of the rod, l = 2( x + y ) = 1.0 m
=

"
A force F = Ai + Bj is applied to a point whose radius vector relative to the origin of coordinates O is equal to
"
"
r = ai + bj, where a, b, A, B are "constants, and i, j are the unit vectors of the x and y axes. Find the torque
and the arm length l of the force F relative to the point O.
"
Solution: Torque of F about O is
" " "
=r F
= ( ai + bj ) ( Ai + Bj )
= ( aB bA) k

"
Arm length of F with respect to O is

l = r sin
" "
" r F
= r " "
rF
Rotational Motion

!
F

!
r
O

l= rsin
fig. 7.49

"
r is the distance of the point of application" of F
from O and is the angle between r" and F .

"
"
r" F = r" F sin

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PHYSICS

LOCUS

= a2 + b2

45

aB bA
a + b 2 A2 + B2
2

aB bA

A2 + B 2

A uniform cylinder of radius R is spun about its axis to the angular

velocity 0 and then placed into a corner, as shown in figure 6.50(a).
The coefficient of kinetic friction between the corner walls and the
cylinder is equal to k. How many turns will the cylinder accomplish
before it stops?
Solution: All forces acting on the cylinder are shown in figure
6.50(b). As the cylinder rotates, its surface slips over the corner
walls and hence frictional forces acting on it, f1 and f 2 , are kinetic
in nature. Normal contact forces acting on the cylinder from the
corner walls, N1 and N2 , and the weight of the cylinder, mg,
pass through the centre of the cylinder and hence, these forces
produce no torque about the centre C. Only frictional forces
produce torque about C and the torques produced by them are in
opposite direction of the direction of the angular velocity of the
cylinder and hence, they retard the rotational motion of the cylinder

fig. 7.50(a)

+ve

f2
N2 C

N1
f1
fig. 7.50(b)

As the cylinder does not translate, net force on it in both vertical and horizontal directions must be zero. Therefore,

N1 + f 2 = mg

N1 + N2 = mg

and

N2 = f1

...(i)

[ f 2 = N 2 ]

...(ii)
N 2 = N1
Substituting for N 2 in equation (i) from equation (ii), we have,

[ f1 = N1 ]

N1 + 2 N1 = mg

N1 =

mg
1+ 2

...(iii)

Substituting for N1 in equation (ii) from equation (iii), we have,

mg
...(iv)
1+ 2
If we define the anticlock wise sense of rotation as the +ve direction of rotation, then, the clock wise sense becomes
the ve direction for the same. Hence, angular acceleration in the present case becomes negative for this choice of
refrence direction. The angular acceleration,
N2 =

Rotational Motion

net torque due to f1 and f 2 about C

moment of inertia about the axis of rotation

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PHYSICS

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46

f1 R + f 2 R
mR 2
2

2( N1 + N 2 )
mR

2
( N1 + N 2 )
mR

2 1 +
mg
mR 1 + 2

2 g 1 +
R 1+ 2

If the cylinder had the angular velocity 0 at t = 0and at some time t it has an angular velocity , and in this duration
it has turned through an angle , then,

2 = 02 + 2
= 02

4 g 1 +

R 1+ 2

If the cylinder stops having rotated through an angle 0 , then at = 0 , = 0. Therefore,

02 = 02

4 g 1 +
0
R 1+ 2

02 R(1 + 2 )
4 g (1 + )
Therefore, the number of rotations accomplished by the cylinder, before it stops,

0 =

n=

0
2

02 R(1 + 2 )
=
8 g (1 + )

Rotational Motion

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PHYSICS

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47

1.

State Newtons three laws of motion in words suitable for rotating bodies.

2.

Can an object rotate if there is no torque acting?

3.

If the angular velocity of a body is zero at some instant, does this mean that the resultant torque on the body
must be zero?

4.

A uniform rod of mass M = 1.2 kg and lengt h = 0.80 m is free to rotate about one end as shown. The
moment of inertia of the rod about an axis perpendicular to the rod an through the centre of mass is given
by ML2 /12. If a force (F = 5.0 N, = 40) acts as shown, what is the resulting angular acceleration about
the pivot point?
(a) 16 rad/s
F
(b) 12 rad/s
L

(c) 14 rad/s
Pivot
(d) 10 rad/s
(e) 33 rad/s.

5.

Two small masses, mA = 4.0 103 kg and mB = 2.0 103 kg,

are connected by a 1.0 m rod of negligible mass. The angular
acceleration about B produced by a force of 0.016 N applied
at A is is approximately
(a) 4.0 rad/s2
(b) 2.7 rad/s2
(c) 11 rad/s2
(d) 12 rad/s2
(e) 4.0 102 rad/s2

1.0 m
A

F = 0.016 N

6.

A solid cylinder has a moment of inertia of 2 kg . m2. It is at rest at time zero when a net torque given by
= 6t 2 + 6 (SI units) is applied. After 2 s, the angular velocity of the cylinder will be
(a) 3.0 rad/s
(b) 12 rad/s
(c) 14 rad/s
(d) 24 rad/s
(e) 28 rad/s

7.

In a laboratory experiment, various torques are applied to

a rotor and the angular acceleration is measured. The results
are plotted on the graph above. From the graph, the moment
of inertia of the rotor is
(a) 0.010 kg m 2
(b) 0.011 kg m 2
(c) 0.0125 kg m 2
(d) 0.0138 kg m 2
(e) 0.0225 kg m 2

8.

A thin, massless string is wrapped around a 0.25-m radius grindstone

supported by bearings that produce negligible frictional torque. A steady
tension of 20 N in the string causes the grindstone to move from rest to a
speed of 60 rad/s in 12 s. The moment of inertia of the grindstone is
(a) 1.0 kg m 2
(b) 2.0 kg m 2
(c) 3.0 kg m 2
(d) 4.0 kg m 2
(e) 5.0 kg m 2

Rotational Motion

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PHYSICS

9.

LOCUS

48

1
R1 . If a force F1 is
4
applied tangent to the wheel, a force F2, applied tangent to the axle that will
keep the wheel from turning, is equal to

A wheel of radius R1 has an axle of radius R2 =

(a)

F1 / 4

(b) F1
(c) 4F1
(d) 16F1
(e) F1/16
10.

A wheel is rotating clockwise on a fixed axis perpendicular

to the page. A torque that causes the wheel to slow down
is best represented by the vector
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
(e) 5

11.

A solid cylinder is spinning counterclockwise about a

longitudinal axis when a net torque is applied, as shown.
The cylinder
(a) speeds up
(b) slows down
(c) precesses about a vertical axis
(d) precesses about a horizontal axis
(e) does none of these

12.

1
M ' R2 )
2
and are released so that they acclerate. If T1 is the tension in the cord on
the left and T2 is the tension in the cord on the right, then

Two masses M and m (M > m) are hung over a disk ( I disk =

(a) T1 = T2
(b) T2 > T1
(c) T2 < T1
(d) T2 = Mg
(e) T2 = Mg / m
13.

The moment of inertia of the wheel in the figure is 0.50 kg.

m2, and the bearing is frictionless. The acceleration of the
15-kg mass is approximately
(a) 9.8 m/s2
(b) 8.7 m/s2
(c) 74 m/s2
(d) 16 m/s2

Rotational Motion

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PHYSICS

14.

15.

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49

A mass (m1 = 5.0 kg) is connected by a light cord to a mass

(m2 = 4.0 kg) which slides on a smooth surface, as shown in the
figure. The pulley (radius = 0.20 m) rotates about a frictionless
axle. The acceleration of m2 is 3.5 m/s. What is the moment of
inertia of the pulley?
(a) 0.29 kg m
(b) 0.42 kg m
(c) 0.20 kg m
(d) 0.62 kg m
(e) 0.60 kg m.

2MM2

M1
M

A 1 Mg car is being unloaded by a winch, as shown in figure. At this moment , the winch gearbox shaft
breaks, and the car falls from rest. The moment of inertia of the winch drum is 320 kg. m2 and that of the
pulley is 4 kg.m2; the radius of the winch drum is 0.80 m and that of the pulley 0.30m. Find the speed of the
car as it hits the water.
Pulley

Winch
drum

which

5.0 m

16.

A 2000 kg block is lifted by a steel cable which passes over a pulley to a motor-driven winch (see fig 9.22).
The radius of the which drum is 30 cm, and the moment of inertia of the pulley is negligible.
(a) What force must be exerted by the cable to lift the block at a constant velocity of 8 cm/s?
(b) What torque does the cable exert on the winch drum?
(c) What is the angular velocity of the winch drum ?
(d) What power must be developed by the motor to drive the winch drum?
r = 30 cm
T

r
which
2000 kg

17.

The system in figure is released from rest. The 30 kg body is 2 m above the
floor. The pulley is a uniform disk with a radius of 10 cm and mass 5kg.
Find
(a)

m r

the speed of the 30 kg body just before it hits the floor and

the angular speed of the pulley at that time,

(b) the tensions in the strings and
(c) the time it takes for the 30 kg body to reach the floor.
Rotational Motion

m=5 kg
r = 10 cm
30kg

20kg

2m

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PHYSICS

18.

LOCUS

A triangular plate of uniform thickness and density

is made to rotate about an axis perpendicular to
the plane of the paper and (a) passing through A,
(b) passing through B, by the application of the
same force, F, at C(mid-point of AB) as shown in
the figure. The angular acceleration in both the cases
will be the same. (True/false).

50

C
F

19.

A uniform disk of mass M and radius R is pivoted so that it can rotate freely about an axis through its center
and perpendicular to the plane of the disk. A small particle of mass m is attached to the rim of the disk at the
top directly above the pivot. The system is given a gentle start and the disk begins to rotate.
(a) What is the angular velocity of the disk when the particle is at its lowest point ?
(b) At this point, what force must be exerted on the particle by the disk to keep it one the disk ?

20.

A uniform boom 5.0 m long and having a total mass of 150 kg is connected
to the ground by a hinge at the bottom and is supported by a horizontal
cable, as shown in figure.
(a) What is the tension in the cable ?
(b) What is the angular acceleration of the boom the instant the cable is cut?
(c) It the cable is cut, what is the angular velocity of the boom when
it is horizontal?
(e) 0.53 m/s2

4.0cm
3.0cm

21.

two forces of magnitude of 50 N, as shown in the figure below, act on a cylinder of radius 4 m and mass
6.25 kg. The cylinder sits on a frictionless surface. After 1 second, the velocity and angular velocity of the
cylinder in m/s and rad/s are respectively:
(a) v = 0 ; = 0
F
(b) v = 0; = 4
F
(c) v = 0; = 8
(d) v = 8; = 8
(e) v = 16; = 9.

22.

In the figure, the rotational inertia of the wheel and axle

about the center is 12.0 kg. m2, the constant force F is
39.2 N, and the radius r is 0.800 m. The wheel starts from
rest. When the force has acted through 2.00 m, the
rotational velocity acquired by the wheel due to this force
will be
(a) 1.26 rad/s
(b) 3.33 rad/s
(c) 3.61 rad/s
(d) 6.24 rad/s
(e) 10.3 rad/s

F
2m

23.

A uniform disc of radius R is spinned to the angular velocity and then carefully placed on a horizontal
surface. How long will the disc be rotating on the surface if the friction coefficient is equal to ? The
pressure exerted by the disc on the surface can be regarded as uniform.

24.

A cubical block of mass M and edge a slides down a rough inclined plane of inclination with a uniform
velocity. The torque of the normal force on the block about its centre has a magnitude
(a) zero
(b) Mga
1
(c) Mga sin
(d)
Mga sin.
2

Rotational Motion

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51

25.

y
Three particles A, B and C, each of mass m, are connected to each other
A
x
by three massless rigid rods to form a rigid, equilateral triangular body of

side l. This body is placed on a horizontal frictionless table (x-y plane) and
is hinged to it at the point A so that it can move without friction about the
vertical axis through A(see figure). The body is set into rotational motion on
the table about A with a constant angular velocity .
F
(a) Find the magnitude of the horizontal force exerted by
l
C
B
the hinge on the body.
(b) At time T, when the side BC is parallel to the x-axis, a force F is applied on B along BC (as shown).
Obtain the x-component and the y-component of the force exerted by the hinge on the body, immediately
after time T.

26.

One-fourth length of a uniform rod of mass m and length l is placed

on a rough horizontal surface and it is held stationary in horizontal
position by means of a light thread as shown in the figure. The
thread is then burnt and the rod starts rotating about the edge. Find
the angle between the rod and the horizontal when it is about to
slide on the edge. The coefficient of friction between the rod and
the surface is .

Rotational Motion

l/4

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