ROTATIONAL MOTION

Revision Notes

ROTATIONAL KINEMATICS
Angular displacement , which is given by
= s
r

The average angular velocity of the body for a finite time

interval is given by
 
av =   f i
t t f  ti
The unit of angular velocity is radian per second (rad/s).

The instantaneous angular velocity is defined as

 d
 = Lim 
t 0 t dt

In terms period T and frequency f the angular velocity is given by

 = 2  2 f
T

The relation between linear speed and angular speed is given by

= v
r
Or v = r

Although all particles have the same angular velocity, their speeds
increase linearly with distance from the axis of rotation.

1
Equations of rotation kinematics
   o  t
1
   o  o t  t 2
2
 2  o2  2   o 
The above equations are called the equations of rotation
kinematics for constant angular acceleration.

MOMENT OF INERTIA

For a discrete system of Axis of rotation

particles the moment of inertia r1

m1
is defined as m2
r2

I = miri2 r3 m3

Where mi is the mass of the m4

r4

ith particle and ri is the

perpendicular distance of the ith
particle from the axis of A discrete system of particles

rotation.

The Parallel Axis Theorem

It states that the moment of inertia of a body about an axis is

equal to its moment of inertia about a parallel axis through its
centre of mass plus the product of the mass of the body and the
square of perpendicular distance between the two axes.
I = Icm + md 2

2
 Icm = Moment of inertia of the body about its centre of mass
Parallel axis
d

cm

I = Moment of inertia of the body

about a parallel axis
m = Total mass of the body
d = Perpendicular distance between two parallel axes.

Perpendicular Axis Theorem

Let the moment of inertia about the x and y axes to be Ix and Iy.
The perpendicular axis theorem states that
Iz= Ix+ Iy

TORQUE
The torque of a force F that y
F
acts at a distance r from the
origin is defined as  

= r F sin r
Where is the angle between the vector
O r and F x
r

= (r sin)F = rF

NEWTON’S SECOND LAW

Since torque is a rotational analog of force, therefore,
Newton’s second law for rotational motion is given by
3
 net = I

ROTATIONAL WORK AND ENERGY

The rotational work done by a force about the fixed axis of
rotation is defined as
Wrot=  d
Where  is the torque produced by the force, and d is the
infinitesimally small angular displacement about the axis.

The rotational kinetic energy of a body about a fixed rotational

axis is defined as
Krot= 1 I2
2
Where I is the moment of inertia about the axis.

Work – Energy Theorem

In complete analog to the work energy theorem for the
translator motion, it can be stated for rotational motion as:
Wrot= Krot
The net rotational work done by the forces is equal to the
change in rotational kinetic energy of the body.

Rotational Power
In complete analog with the linear motion, the instantaneous
rotational power is defined as
Prot= dWrot  τ.ω
dt

ROLLING MOTION
In a pure rolling motion.

4
 vc = R
Where  is the angular velocity of the wheel about its center
of mass, and vc is the linear velocity of the center of mass.
Since rolling is a combination of translation of the center and
rotation about the center, therefore, velocity of any point on
the rim is the vector sum

v  vc  v'

Where v the velocity of the center of mass, and v is is the

c

velocity of the particle with respect to center of mass.

Kinetic Energy of a Rolling Body

The total kinetic energy of a rolling body is given by
K = 1 mvc2  1 Ic2
2 2

In pure rolling motion, vc= R

 K = 1 mR 2  1 I c  2
2 2
Or K = 1
(Ic + mR2) 2
2

ANGULAR MOMENTUM
Angular momentum about the origin is defined as
  
Lrp
The magnitude of momentum is given by
L = rp sin

Conservation of Angular Momentum

dL
If τ ext  0 0
dt
Thus, L = constant

5
Angular Impulse
Angular impulse is defined as
τ  τ ext dt

6
 Mains

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. A thin spherical shell of mass m and radius R rolls down a
parabolic path PQR from a height H without slipping. Part PQ is
sufficiently rough while part QR is smooth. If the height reached
by the shell on the part QR be h, then h/H is given by (assume R
<< H)
P R
H

(A) 1 (B) 0.75

(C) 0.6 (D) 0.5
Explanation: C
For pure rolling on part PQ, mechanical energy is conserved.
Hence
1  k2 
mv 2  1  2   mgH
2  R 

 56 mv = mgH
2

1 2
For part QR, the translational K.E. = 2
mv will BE converted
1 2 3
into the potential energy. Hence 2
mv = mgh. Hence h = 5
H

Hence (C) is correct.

1
2. Two particles each of mass M, are connected by a rigid rod
of negligible mass and length L. The system is lying on a
horizontal frictionless surface. An impulse Mv,
perpendicular to the rod, is given at one end of the rod as
shown in the figure. The angular velocity acquired by the
rod is
L
M M

Mv

(A) 4v/L (B) 2v/L

(C) v/L (D) v/4L
Explanation: C
Apply COAM about centre of mass,
Mv L2 =  = 1
2
L
M   .  2
2 L

Hence (C) is correct.

3. A slender rod of mass M and length L hinged at O is kept

horizontal and then released. The other end of the rod strikes
a solid sphere of mass M and radius R (at point P) kept on a
smooth horizontal surface. The points O and P are on the
same vertical line. After the collision, the rod comes to rest.
The angular speed of the sphere after the collision is

2
 L
O A
M

MR
P

=0

3g R 3g
(A) L
(B) L L

(C) RL 3g
L
(D) zero
Explanation: D
Draw the F.B.D of sphere.
M
R Ndt
Mgdt

NGdt

Since all the impulses acting on the sphere are passing

through the centre of the sphere, the angular velocity
remains zero.

4. Four particles are attached to the ends of two massless rods.

The rods are connected at point O as shown in the figure.
The system can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the
plane of the paper and passing through O. If, starting from
rest under the action of a constant net external torque having
magnitude MgL, the system rotates about that axis, then at
what time will its angular speed become ?

3
 M

L/2

O M
M
L/4 3L/4
L/2

5L 2L
(A) 8g
(B) 3g

9L 5L
(C) 8g
(D) 3g

Explanation: C
2 2 2 2

I = M  L2   M  L2   3L  L 
 M   M 
     4 4

ML2 ML2 9ML2 ML2

= 4

4

16

16

8ML2 9ML2 ML2 9ML2

= 16

16

16

8

Angular momentum  98 ML . = MgL t 2

 t  98 L.g

5. When a body rolls without sliding up an inclined plane, the

frictional force is
(A) directed up the plane (B) directed down the plane
(C) zero (D) dependent on its velocity
Explanation: A
Since, the body rolls without sliding,

4
 v
r

a 

P

tangential acceleration ap = 0 & tangential speed vp = 0

 v  r = 0 & a – r  = 0
v = r& a = r 
Since the body’s acceleration a is downwards parallel to the
plane, therefore acceleration of the body must be in
anticlockwise sense.
That means the friction must act up the plane to produce an
anticlockwise torque to produce anticlockwise angular
acceleration.
Hence (A) is correct.

6. A 5 m long pole of 3 kg mass is placed against a smooth

vertical wall as shown in the figure. Under equilibrium
condition, if the pole makes an angle of 37 with the horizontal,
the frictional force between the pole and horizontal surface is
 =0
5m

37  0

(A) 20 N (B) 30 N
(C) 20 N (D) 30 N

5
Explanation: A
Along horizontal f = N 2
. . . A N2

5
(1) 3
N1
Mg 37
Finding torque about ‘B’ C 4 f B

Mg(2) + N1 0  f 0  N2 3

 N2 = 20
 From (1) f = 20 N

7. A semi-circular disc of radius 1 m and mass = 4 kg is lying

on the horizontal x-y plane. If XX is the axis of rotation of
the body and a force = 2 N k̂ is applied at point P, the
magnitude of angular acceleration is equal to (the region is
gravity free)
Y

P
30 R
X X

(A) 2 rad/s2 (B) 3 rad/s2

(C) 1 rad/s2 (D) 4 rad/s2
Explanation: C
MR2 2 y
I= 4
= 4. 14 = 1 kg-m2 F=2n k̂
P
Torque = 2 N  21 m = 1 N-m 30 R
X X

Angular acceleration = T/I = 1

rad/s2

6
 m
v0

m
8. Smooth

Figure shows a rough plank and solid cylinder of mass m and

radius R placed on a smooth horizontal surface. The cylinder
is given a velocity v0 such that its motion is pure translation
initially. Assuming the plank to be sufficiently long, the final
velocity of the plank when slipping between the two bodies
finally stops is
a) v 0

4
3v0
b)
4
v0
c)
2
3v0
d)
2
Ans. a)
Explanation:
1

v0 v1

g
g
v=0 v2
(t = 0) (t = t)

v1 = v0 – gt
2gt
1  t 
R
v2 = gt
at time t = t
v2 = v1 – R 1 t
v0
4 g
 v  v
v2  g  0   0
 4 g  4

7
9. A uniform meter stick of mass m is pivoted about a
horizontal axis through its lower end O. Initially, it is held
vertical and is allowed to fall freely. Its angular velocity at
the instant when it makes an angle of 60 with the vertical is

60

g 3g
(A) 3
(B) 2

g 2g
(C) 4
(D) 3

Explanation: B
1  1 1 2
mg 21 1  cos60 = m 
2  12 4 

60
mg m  1  2 mg
  
4 2 3  O

3g
 
2

Alternate Explanation:
mg 1
2
sin   m 
3
(torque equation)
   32 g sin   dd . ddt   dd
  d  32 g sin  d
   d  32 g co s  

/3
0
0

10. A disc of radius r is rotating about its centre with an angular

speed 0. It is gently placed on a rough horizontal surface.
After what time it will be in pure rolling?
8
 

0 r 0 r
(A) 2 g
(B) 3g

0 r 3 0 r
(C) g
(D) 2 g

Explanation: B
About point P, we can apply angular momentum theorem,

 C C
0 v
P fr

Initial Intermediate When starts

position position pure rolling

Li  L f

mr 2 0 mr 2 
  m(r)r
2 2

   3 0

Apply vi  0 , ui = R, a = g, time = t

uf r r
T= a
  0
g 3g

Hence (B) is correct.

11. There is a uniform circular ring of mass m. A particle of mass

m is placed at its centre and is connected to the rim by rigid
light spokes. If this assembly is placed on a rough inclined

9
 surface, then frictional force acting on the assembly, if it
undergoes pure rolling, is

(A) 1
3
mg sin  (B) 2
3
mg sin 
(C) 1
6
mg sin  (D) 1
2
mg sin 
Explanation: B

2mg sin  f = 2ma

fr = mr2 a  f = ma
r

2mg sin   f = 2f
f= 2 mg sin 
3

12. A semicircular disc has mass m and radius R, as shown in

the figure. The moment of inertia of the disc about an axis
XX in the plane of the disc passing through O (mid-point of
the diameter) will be

10
 A X

45

X B

MR2 MR2
(A) 2
(B)
2

MR2
(C) 4
(D) none of these

Explanation: C

Let I and I are MI about X-X and Y-Yaxes respectively.

1 2

1  2MR2  MR2
Due to symmetry, Ix  Iy  
2  2 

4
Y
A X

O
45
Y
X B

13. A block with a square base having area (A = aa) measuring

a a, and height h is placed on an inclined plane. The
coefficient of friction between the block and the inclined
plane is  . The angle of inclination  of the plane is gradually
increased. The block will

11
 

h
a



a
(A) topple before sliding if 
h

a
(B) topple before sliding if 
h
a
(C) slide before toppling if 
h

(D) none of these

Explanation: A
N
mgcos
mgsin
mgcos
mg


It will topple before sliding if

h
mg sin 
2
> mg cos   a2

or tan  > ah

or   ah

14. Let I be the moment of inertia of a uniform square plate

about an axis AB that passes though its centre and is parallel

12
 to two of its sides. CD is a line in the plane of the plate that
passes through the centre of the plate & makes an angle 
with AB. The moment of inertia of the plate about the axis
CD is then equal to
(A) I (B) I cos2
(C) I sin2 (D) I cos2 (/2)
Explanation: A Y

Y D X

According to the perpendicular axis A O


B X

theorem C

IZ = I x + I y
Since the plate is quite symmetrical
about x and y, Ix = Iy
Iz = Ix + Iy = 2Ix = 2Iy
Ix = Iy = Iz/2
Similarly Ix = Iy = Iz/2
 The required moment of inertia = I, where Iz
2
=I
Hence (A) is correct.

15. A solid homogeneous sphere is moving on a rough

horizontal surface, partly rolling and partly sliding. During
this kind of motion of this sphere
(A) total kinetic energy is conserved
(B) angular momentum of the sphere about the point of
contact with the plane is conserved

13
 (C) only the rotational kinetic energy about the centre of
mass is conserved.
(D) angular momentum about the centre of mass is
conserved.
Explanation: B
When sphere partly rolls & partly slides, frictional loss is
there. Therefore, total mechanical energy cannot be
conserved.
Since, all the forces passes through the instantaneous point
of contact, their torque about this point is zero
Angular momentum about that point (not about the mass
centre) remains constant.

16. A solid sphere is released from rest on a rough inclined plane

as shown in the figure. A block is kept at rest at distance 1 m
from the sphere as shown. The velocity with which the sphere
strikes the block is

 = (1/103)
1m

300

(A) 1 m/s (B) 2 m/s

(C) 3 m/s (D) none of these
Explanation: C

14
 For rolling of sphere, min = 2
7
tan  = 2
7
tan 30 = 2
7 3
> 101 3
Hence, the sphere slips on inclined plane.
a = g sin  g cos = 4.5 m/s2
v = 2as = 2  4.5  1 = 3 m/s.

17. A sphere of mass M and radius R is moving on a rough fixed

surface, having co-efficient of friction  as shown in figure.
It will attain a minimum linear velocity after a time
o

vo

(A) v0 / g (B) 0R/g

(C) (v00R)/ g (D) 2(v00R)/7g

Explanation: D
Min Linear velocity will be attained when pure rolling will
start.
v(t) = (t) R
vogt = (0 +t)R
mgR = 2
5
mR2
5g
 = 2R
5g
vogt = oR + 2R
t
t = 2(vooR)/7g
 (D)
15
 18. A solid cylinder of mass m and radius R is placed over a
plank of same mass m. The coefficient of friction between the
cylinder and plank is . If a horizontal force is applied on
plank, then maximum value of F so that there is no slipping
between cylinder and plank is
R
m

m F
Smooth

a) 2 mg
b) 3 mg
c) 4 mg
d) 5 mg
2
Ans. c)
Explanation:

a fr
F
A
fr

fr = ma ... (1)
mR 2
fr R  ... (2)
2
F – fr = mA ... (3)
a+R =A ....(4)
Solving these equations we get
4fr = F
Fmax = 4 mg

19. A disc of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’ is gently placed on a

sufficiently rough incline of inclination  with the horizontal
16
 and released. The frictional force acting on the ball is
[Assume pure rolling of the disc.]
M
R


(A) Mg cos (B) 12

3
Mgcos 

1 1
(C) 3
Mgcos  (D) 3
Mgsin 

Explanation: D
N
r = acm (for pure rolling) f

2f f
 gsin  
M M Mgsin Mgcos


f= Mgsin 
3

20. Moment of inertia of a uniform circular disc of radius R

about axis AA  is IA. So, mass of the disc is
A

d R
O

2IA 4IA
(A) R  2d2
2
(B) R  4d2
2

2IA 4IA
(C) R  4d2
2
(D) R  2d2
2

17
Explanation: B
IAA   I0  md2 A

mR2
IA   md2
4
d

4IA A'
M
R  4d2
2

21. A particle of mass m is moving with a uniform speed v in

x-y plane along a straight line, y = x+k, the angular
momentum of the particle about the origin is
(A) mvk2 (B) mvy2
mvx
(C) 2
(D) mvk
Explanation: A
y = mx + c and y = x+k
= 45 and c = k
 Angular momentum, L = mv  k 
1
2

mvk
2

22. A disc and a ring having same mass M and radius R are
rotating about their respective axis which are normal to their
plane. If both have the same angular momentum, then the
normal ratio of acceleration of the particles at the
circumference of the disc to the ring is
(A) 1: 2 (B) 2: 1
(C) 1: 4 (D) 4: 1
18
Explanation: D
Angular momentum, L = I
MR2
2
1 = MR221 = 22
a1 12R
  4 :1
a 2 22R

23. A sphere moving at some instant with horizontal velocity vc

in right and angular velocity  in anti-clockwise sense.
If v = R , the instantaneous centre of rotation is
c

(A) at the bottom of the sphere (B) at the top of the sphere
(C) at the centre of the sphere (D) anywhere inside the
sphere
Explanation: B
I

C 0 VC

O X

vI,ground  vI,Centre  uCentre,ground


vI,ground  0R i  uC i   =   R  v   i 
0 C

vI,ground  0  Since vC  R 

So, instantaneous centre of rotation at the top of the sphere.

INTEGER TYPE QUESTIONS

19
24. A circular disc of radius R/3 is cut from a circular disc of
radius R and mass 9 M as shown. Calculate moment of inertia of
remaining disc about centre ‘O’ perpendicular to the plane of the
disc.
O
2R/3
O

Explanation:
9MR2  M(R / 3)2  2R  
2

I0 =   M   = 4MR2
2  2  3  

O
O

25. A uniform disc of mass M is placed on a rough ground. A

force F is applied on the top point at t = 0. Force always remains
horizontal. If the disc performs pure rolling then calculate the
power developed by the applied force and frictional force as a
function of time.
F

F
Explanation:  acm
F + f = Ma cm
. . . (1)
FR fR = MR 2 acm
2 R
f

F f = M
2
acm . . . (2)

20
 Solving (1) and (2)
2F = 32 Ma  a  3M
4F
cm cm

4Ft
v cm  0 
3M

So, velocity of top point at any time

v = 2 3M4Ft  8Ft
3M
8F2 t
Power developed by applied force = F.v 
3M

As velocity of contact point is zero, hence power developed

by friction = 0

26. The angular velocity of a body is   (4iˆ  2 ˆj  3kˆ) rad/s at

some instant of time and torque on the body is   (4iˆ  2kˆ  5 ˆj) Nm .
Power delivered by torque at this instant is

Explanation: P   .  (4iˆ  2 ˆj  3kˆ).(4iˆ  2kˆ  5 ˆj)  20 Watt

27. A wheel whose moment of inertia is 2 kg m2 has an initial

angular velocity of 50 rad/s. A constant torque of 10 Nm
acts on the wheel. The time in which the wheel is
accelerated to 80 rad/s is
Explanation:
Initial angular velocity = 50 rad/s
Final angular velocity = 80 rad/s
Torque = 10 N-m
Moment of Inertia = 2 kg m2

21
 Angular acceleration  is given by
 = I
= 
I
= 10
2
= 5 rad/s2
Hence if t is the time 5t = 80  50 = 30
t = 6 seconds

28. A man of 80 kg is standing on the rim of a circular platform

of mass 200 kg. The platform rotates about its axis at 12
r.p.m. The man moves from rim to centre of the platform.
How will the system rotate? (The moment of inertia of man
at the centre may be neglected.)
Explanation:
If r is the radius of the platform and M its mass,
Mr 2
Moment of inertia of platform about the axis= 2
.
Moment of inertia of the system with the man at the rim =
Mr 2
 mr 2
2

200r 2
= 2
80r 2

= 180 r2
Mr 2
Moment of inertia with the man at the centre is 2
= 100
r2
By conservation of angular momentum, 180 r21 = 100 r22
2 = 180
100
1 = 18012
100
= 21.6 rpm

22
29. A block of mass M = 4 kg with a semicircular track of radius
R = 5 m rests on a horizontal frictionless surface. A uniform
cylinder of radius r = 1m and mass m = 6kg is released from
rest at the top point A (see Figure). The cylinder slips on the
semicircular frictionless track. How far has the block moved
when the cylinder reached the bottom (point B) of the track?
How fast is the block moving when the cylinder reaches the
bottom of the track? ( 2  1.4 )
A

m R

B M

Explanation:
The horizontal component of forces acting on M-m system
is zero and the centre of mass of the system cannot have any
horizontal displacement.
When the cylinder is at B its displacement relative to the
block in the horizontal direction is (R – r). Let the
consequent displacement of the block to the left be x. The
displacement of the cylinder relative to the ground is (R – r
– x).
Since, the centre of mass has no horizontal displacement
Mx = m (R – r – x)
x (M + m) = (R – r) m
r)m
x = (R
(Mm)

23
 When the cylinder is at A, the total momentum of the system
in the horizontal direction is zero. If v is the velocity of the
cylinder at B and V, the velocity of the block at the same
instant, then
mv + MV = 0, by principle of conservation of momentum.
Potential energy of the system at A = mg (R – r)
Kinetic energy of the cylinder at B = 21 mv 2

1
The kinetic energy of the block at that instant = 2
MV 2

By principle of conservation of energy,

mg (R – r) = 21mv  21MV 2 2

MV
Since v = 
m

V 2  M 2 
2
mg (R – r) = 1  MV  1
m    MV 2
2  m  2
= 
2  m
M 



mg (R – r) = V2
2m

M 2 Mm 
2m 2 g (R r )
V2 =
(M 2 Mm)

V = 840 cm/s

30. Two blocks of masses m1 = 5 kg and m2 = 10 kg connected

by a weightless spring of stiffness k = 90 N/m rest on a
smooth horizontal plane. Block 2 is shifted a small distance
x = 1 m to the left and released. Find the velocity of the
centre of mass of the system after block 1 breaks off the
wall.

24
Explanation:
k
We know that the potential energy of m1 m2
compression
= 21 kx 2

When the block m1 breaks off

from the wall the spring has its
unstretched length and the
kinetic energy of the block m2 is
given by
1 1
m v = kx2
2 2
2
2 2
kx 2
v 22 = m2

k
v2 = x
m2

For the velocity of centre of mass

m1v 1 m2v 2
v cm 
m1 m2

m2 m2 k
= m1 m2
v 2 = m1 m 2 m 2

Velocity of centre of mass of system = 2m/s

25
 Advance
Single Type
1. 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
an angle  with AB. The moment of inertia of the plate
about the axis CD is equal to
(A) I (B) Icos  2

(C) Isin  2
(D) Icos 2 2

(A)
Ans:
According to the perpendicular axis theorem
Iz  Ix  I y

Since the plate is quite symmetrical about x1 and y1 , Ix1  Iy1 .

 Iz  I1x  I1y  2I1x  2I1y

 I1x  I1y  Iz/2

 The required M.I. = I

Ix
Where I
2

2. A smooth uniform rod of length L and mass M has two

identical beads of the negligible size, each of mass m,
which can slide freely along the rod. Initially the two beads
are at the centre of the rod and the system is rotating with
angular velocity  about its axis perpendicular to the rod
0

and passing through its mid-point (see Fig). There are no

1
 external forces. When the beads reach the ends of the rod,
the angular velocity of the system is

M 0 M 0
(A) M  3m
(B) M  6m

(C) M  6m
M
 0
(D) 0

Ans: (B)
For the principle of conservation of angular momentum, I 0  0  I,
where I 0 and  0 are the moment of inertia and angular velocity
when the beads are at the centre of the rod and I and  when the bead
are at the ends of the rod.
ML2 ML2 mL2 mL2 L2
I0  and I    M  6m
12 12 4 4 12


ML2
0 
M  6m L 2

or
12 12
M 0

M  6m 

3. A particle of mass 5 units is moving with a uniform speed

  3 2 in the X – Y plane along the line y  x  4. The

magnitude of the angular momentum of the particle about

the origin is
(A) 60units (B) 40 2 units
2
 (C) 7.5units (D) zero
Ans: (A)
Motion is along the line y  x  4;
Differentiating it w.r.t time, we have
dy dx
 i.e. y  x
dt dt

 
1/2
As,   x2   y2 3 2 and x   y , therefore

 x2  x2   3 2
1/2
or x  3   y

When x  0, from the given equation, y  0  4  4

Magnitude of angular momentum of particle
 mr  my  y  r
 5  3  4  60 units

4. Three thin uniform rods each of mass M and length L are

placed along the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate
system with their one end at origin. The moment of inertia
of the system about z-axis is
ML2 2ML2
(A) 3
(B) 3
ML2
(C) 6
(D) ML2

Ans: (B)
y

O x

3
 The moment if inertia of a thin rod of mass M and length L about
an axis passing through one end of the rod and perpendicular to the
length of the rod is 1 ML2 .
3
Moment of inertia of a rod about z-axis is zero.
Therefore, moment of inertia of the system about the z-axis
1 1 2
 ML2  ML2  0  ML2
3 3 3
Note:- For rods along x and y-axes , z-axis is an axis passing
through one end of the rod and perpendicular to the length of the
rod.

5. If the law were changed so that traffic in India travelled on

the right hand side of the road (instead of on the left), what
would happen to the length of the day.
(A) Slightly increase (B) Slightly decrease
(C) Will remain unaltered (D) Can't be said
Ans: (A)
If velocity of traffic is taken constant. The angular momentum can
be considered due to 3 components.
A
B

(1) Due to earth (upwards)

(2) Due to (A) (upward)
(3) Due to (B) (downwards)
When A goes to right magnitude of L due to it increases
When B goes to left magnitude of L due to it decreases
 (LA  LB ) is in upward direction and as (LA  LB  Learth )  0

 L earth is downward

4
  earth
decreases
 Length of day increases.

6. A man pulls a solid cylinder (initially at rest) horizontally

by a massless string as shown. The string is wrapped on the
cylinder and the cylinder performs pure rolling (that is,
rolling without slipping). Mass of the cylinder is 100 kg,
radius is  metre & tension in string is 100 N. Then the
angular speed of the cylinder after one revolution will be:

4
(A) 4 rad /sec (B) rad/ sec
3
4
(C) 3
rad/sec (D) none of these
Ans: (B)
The cylinder rolls without slipping, hence no work is being done by
friction. In one complete revolution the centre C of the cylinder
moves by 2R (R is radius of cylinder) and the top most point P of
the cylinder moves by 4R.

vcm  R
(from constraint)
Applying work energy theorem
Work done by T= increase in kinetic energy of cylinder
1 1 1 1  1
T  4R  Icm 2  mvcm
2
  mR2  2  mR22
2 2 22  2

Solving we get   4 rad / sec

3

5
7. Let us consider the following relaxed system which is lying
in horizontal plane. The natural length of the spring is l.
A k B
m

The mass ‘m’ is given a velocity ‘ v ’ perpendicular to AB. 0

In the subsequent motion the speed of mass decreases to

90% of the initial value. The elongation in the spring is
(A) l/9 (B) l/10
(C) l/8 (D) l/11
Ans: (D)
As there is no external torque about A, conserving angular
momentum about A.
9
 mv 0l  m v 0 ,l
10
10
 l  l
9
 10  l
l  l  l    1 l 
 9  9

8. The moment of inertia of a uniform disc of radius R from

which a circular portion of radius r is removed from the
periphery, about a tangent in the plane at the point of
removal, if the remaining mass is m, is
(A) 54 m(R  r ) 2 2
(B) 54 m(R  r ) 2 2

5 m(R4  r 4 ) 5 m(R4  r 4 )
(C) 4 (R2  r 2 )
(D) 4 (R2  r 2 )

Ans: (A)
M =Mass of disc, m1 = Mass removed disc

6
 5MR2 m1r 2 5
5  I  I  (MR2  m1r 2 )
4 4 4
M  R2 m1  r 2 m  (R2  r 2 )
where  is the mass density.
5 5
 (R 2  r 2 )(R 2  r 2 )  m(R 2  r 2 )
4 4

9. In the given diagram mass of pulley is M radius is R and

radius of gyration is k. An inextensible string is wrapped
tightly on it and a ball of mass ‘M’ is attached to the free
end. After falling a height ‘h’ the string becomes tight. The
speed of ball just after string becomes tight is (Assume no
friction anywhere)

2gh
(A) 2gh (B) (1  R 2 / k 2 )
2gh
(C) (D) None of these.
 k2 
 1  2 
 R 

Ans: (D)

7
 N

T
Conserving the angular momentum about centre of pulley we have
Mv0R  MVR  Mk 2, v0  2gh
V
But 
R
v0
V 
 K2 
 1  
 R2 

10. A uniform circular disc of radius r is placed on a rough

horizontal surface and given a linear velocity v0 and
angular velocity 0 as shown. The disc comes to rest after
moving some distance to the right. It follows that
v0

0

(A) 3 v0 = 20 r (B) 2 v0 = 0 r

(C) v0 = 0 r (D) 2 v0 = 3 0 r
Ans: (B)
Since the disc comes to rest, it stops rotating & translating
simultaneously
 v = 0 &  = 0. That means, the angular momentum about the
instantaneous point of contact just after time of stopping is zero we
know that, the angular momentum of the disc about P remains
constant because frictional force f, N & mg pass through the point
P, thus produce no torque about this point
 Linitial = Lfinal  mv0 r – I0 0 = 0

8
  m v0 r = I0 0  m v0 r = 1 m r2 0.
2
 2 v0 = 0 r.

Multiple Correct Type

11. A solid sphere is resting over a rough horizontal floor. A
sharp impulse is applied on it along its horizontal diameter.
Point out false statements:
(A) The kinetic energy of the sphere remains constant
throughout the motion
(B) The kinetic energy of translation is shared by rotation,
but the total kinetic energy decreases initially and finally
attains a constant value
(C) The total kinetic energy of the sphere decreases
continuously on doing work against friction and finally
reduces to zero
(D) A constant frictional force, opposite to the translational
motion acts on the sphere throughout its motion.
Ans: (A, C, D)
mg

I Translational
Velocity

Friction
m(retardation)

Since, the impulse is applied along a horizontal diameter, therefore,

due to that impulse the sphere starts to move translationally without
any rotational motion. Since the floor is rough, therefore, friction
comes into existence and that opposes forward sliding of the sphere
as shown in figure. Hence, friction acts along backward direction
9
 which not only provides a retarding force but produces an
accelerating moment also. Due to that moment the sphere
experiences an angular acceleration. Hence, initially translational
velocity of the sphere decreases but angular velocity increases.
Therefore, KE of the sphere initially decreases. Rotational motion
is accelerated till angular velocity ( ) becomes equal to v and then
r
the friction disappears. Hence, then total energy of sphere remains
constant. Therefore, option (B) alone is correct and rest options are
incorrect.

12. A ring of mass M and radius R sliding with a velocity v0

suddenly enters into rough surface where coefficient of
friction is , as shown -
V0

rough()

(A) The ring starts rolling motion when centre of mass

becomes stationary.
(B) The ring starts rolling motion when the point of contact
becomes stationary.
(C) The time after which the ring starts rolling is 2vg . 0

v0
(D) The rolling velocity is 2
.
Ans: (B, C, D)
Let rolling velocity is v and angular velocity is then,
v = v0 – gt .... (1)
and  = rg t .... (2)
Also, v = r
 gt = v0 – gt  t = v0
2g
and v = v0
2

10
13. A cylinder of mass m is kept on a inclined plane having
angle of inclination 30º. Axis of cylinder makes an angle
30º with line along greatest slope. Assuming that cylinder
rolls without slipping -
(A) Acceleration of cylinder is g/6
(B) Acceleration of cylinder is g/4
(C) Friction force acting on cylinder is 73mg
7 mg
(D) Friction force acting on cylinder is 6

Ans: (A, D)
Acceleration of cylinder is given by
a = mg sin msin 
m
2
2g sin  sin  g
= 3
= 6

 X



Friction along axis: fx = mg sin cos 

mg sin  sin 
Friction  to axis: fy = 3

 Friction = fx 2  fy2 = 7 mg
6

14. A uniform rod of mass 1 kg and length 1 m is kept vertical

on the edge of a horizontal table. The rod is hit at a height
75 cm from table surface as to provide impulse 5 N/S in
horizontal direction. Then -
(A) Displacement of rod after 1 sec is 5 2 m
11
 (B) Initial velocity of rod is 5 m/s which increases with
time
(C) Initial angular velocity of rod is 15 rad/sec which
increases with time
(D) Numbers of rotation in 1 sec is 152

Ans: (A, B, D)
Just after impulse -
5N / s
Velocity of centre of mass = 1kg
= 5 m/s (Horizontal)
1
 5
Angular velocity of rod = 4 = 15 rad/s
 1.12 
 
 12 
 

 Displacement of centre of mass = x 2  y 2

[x = Displacement in horizontal direction, y = Displacement in
vertical direction]
= 52  52 = 5 2 m
Angular velocity of rod will not increase with time as there is no
angular acceleration about axis passing through centre of mass
(Torque of mg about centre of mass is zero as it acts through centre
of mass)

15. Work done by a force on an rigid object having no

rotational motion will be zero, if -
(A) the force is always perpendicular to acceleration of
object.
(B) the object is at rest relative to ground but the point of
application of force moves on the object.
(C) the force is always perpendicular to velocity of object.

12
 (D) the point of application of force is fixed relative to
ground by the object moves.
Ans: (B, C)
(A) If velocity and acceleration are not in same direction. Work
done by force perpendicular to acceleration will not be zero.
(B) If the object is at rest no force can do work.
(C) If force is perpendicular to velocity work done will be zero.
(D) If the point on the body has velocity component in direction of
application of force work done will be non-zero.

16. A wheel rolls purely between a rough horizontal surface

below it and a horizontal plank above it under the action of
a horizontal force F applied on the plank. If at any time
V and V represents velocity of plank and velocity of centre
p c

of mass of wheel and a p and a c represents acceleration of

plank and acceleration of C.M. of wheel respectively then
which of the following is/are correct
F vp

vc

(A) | Vp | 2 | Vc | (B) | ap | 2 | ac |

(C) | Vp | | Vc | (D) | ap | | ac |

Ans: (A, B)
vp
v c+Rw
w
vc

Rw vc

13
 For pure rolling of wheel w.r.t. horizontal surface below it vc Rw
For pure rolling of wheel w.r.t. plank
vp vc Rw 2v c
dv p 2dvc
dt dt
a p 2a c

17. Four identical rods, each of mass m and length l, are joined
to form a rigid square frame. The frame lies in the xy plane,
with its centre at the origin and the sides parallel to the x
and y axes. Its moment of inertia about
(A) the x-axis is 2 ml 2

3
4 2
(B) the z-axis is ml
3
(C)an axis parallel to the z-axis and passing through a
corner is 10 ml 2

3
5 2
(D) one side is ml
2
Ans: (A, B, C, D)
y

z
m 
Iside  2    m 2

 3 
5
Iside  m 2
3
2 1  5  
2

Icover  m 2
2 m 2
 m   
3 12  4  

10
Icons  m 2

14
 2
1   
I x   mu 2   22  2(m)  
 12  2
1 1
   m 2
6 2
1 3 2
 m 2
 m 2

6 3
  2   
2

Iz  4 m    m   
  2   2  
4
Iz  m 2
.
3

18. A disc is given an initial angular velocity 0 and placed on

rough horizontal surface as shown. The quantities which
will not depend on the coefficient of friction is/are

0

(A)The time until rolling begins.

(B)The displacement of the disc until rolling begins.
(C)The velocity when rolling begins.
(D)The work done by the force of friction.
Ans: (C, D)
The velocity of the disc when rolling begins can be obtained using
the conservation of angular momentum principle about the point
through which the friction force acts. So, the coefficient of friction
has no bearing on final velocity. The work done by the force of
friction will simply be change in kinetic energy.

15
19. A thin rod of mass ’m’ and length ‘l’ rotates freely about
one of its ends. The other end held upwards and released
when it makes an angle ' ' with the vertical and top edge
acquires a maximum velocity of u ms . Then 1

l
(A) The maximum change in PE is mg (1  cos  )
2
 u2 
(B) The angle (  ) from which it released is cos 1   1
 3gl 
 u2 
(C) The angle (  ) from which it released is cos 1   1
 3gl 
l
(D) The maximum change in PE is mg (1  cos  )
2
Ans: (B, D)
l 1 ml 2 2 ml 2  u 2 
PE  mg (1  cos  )     
2 2 3 6  l2 
u2 u2
1  cos   , cos   1
3lg 3gl

20. A particle and a pivoted rod, lie on a horizontal smooth

plane. The particle moves perpendicular to length of rod as
shown in the diagram
x

v0

If the length of rod is L and normal contact force developed

at hinge is N then
(A) For x  2L , N  0 & forward on rod
3
L
(B) For x  ,N  0 & backward on rod
3
(C) For x  L, N  0, Forward on rod
16
 (D) Total linear momentum of rod – ball system can
increase or decrease depending upon the value of ‘x’.
Ans: (A, B, D)

For no Normal contact fore

mv0  mv  M vcm
ML2
mv0 x  mvx  
3
L L2
 
2 3x
2L
x 
3

Numeric Type
21. A solid uniform sphere rotating about its axis (with
rotational kinetic energy E0) is placed on a rough horizontal
plane without any translational push. Friction coefficient 
is not same everywhere on the plane and it may differ even
at each point. After sometime the sphere begins pure rolling
with total kinetic energy E  2E , then find value of x.
0

x
Ans: (7)


0 

I
nitia
lly F
in
ally
1 2
I0  E 0 (given)
2

17
 COAM about point of contact
2 2 2
 mr 0  mr 2   mvr
5 5
and v = r
2
 V r0
7
1 2 2E 0
 t I0 
7 7
 x7.

22. A rectangular plate of mass 20 kg is suspended from points

A and B as shown. If the pin B is suddenly removed, the
angular acceleration in rad/sec2 of the plate is . Then8
has value (g = 10 m/s2).
A B

b =0.15m

 =0.2m

Ans: (6)
Moment of inertia about the axis rotation axis is I then,
2
2
I = IC + md2, where d2 = b4 + 4
= 0.0625
4

I= 20
[(0.2)2 + (0.15)2] + 20 0.0625
= 0.416 kg-m2
12 4

Now I = mg 2  = mg

 48 rad/sec2
2I

/8 = 48/8=6

23. A point mass is tied to one end of a cord whose other end
passes through a vertical hollow tube, caught in one hand.

18
 The point mass is being rotated in a horizontal circle of
radius 2m with speed of 4 m/s. the cord is then pull down
so that the radius of the circle reduces to 1 meter. Computer
ratio of kinetic energies under the final and initial states.
v1 I1 1

I2

Ans: (4)
by conservation of angular momentum I11  I22

r1 v1 = r2 v2
so, v2=8m/s and  = 8rad/s.
2

1
I 222
final K.E
2 4
initial K.E 1 I  2
1 1
2

24. In the arrangement shown the rod is freely pivoted at point

O and is in contact with the equilateral triangular block
which can move on the horizontal frictionless ground. As
the block is given a speed v forward, the rod rotates about
point O. Find the angular velocity of rod in rad/s at the
instant when  = 30º. [Take v = 20 m/s, a = 1 m]


O
2a 3

19
Ans: (5)
A

d B

O N
2a 3

AB = v dt sin  …(i)
(along the circular arc)
AN
OA =
sin 
ds = r d
given vdt sin  = OA d
AN
vdt sin   .d
sin 
a
vdt sin   d
sin 
d v 2
 sin 
dt a
d
 5 rad/s.
dt

25. A solid sphere rolling on a rough horizontal surface with a

linear speed 7 m/s collides elastically with a fixed, smooth,
vertical wall. Find the speed of the sphere after it has
started pure rolling in backward direction.
Ans: (3)
Explanation:
1 v 2 v
mv 0 R  MR 2  0 mvR  mR 2 
2 R 5 R
 2  2
 mv 0R  1    mvR  1  
 5  5
3v 37
v  0   3m / s
7 7

20
 7m/s

V0
80 800
0

Before collision After collision

Applying conservation of angular momentum about point P

26. A thin rod of mass 2kg and length 1m is hinged at one end
Initially the rod is held at rest in horizontal position. The
rod can rotate in vertical plane. Find contact force exerted
by hinge on the rod in newton just after rod is released from
rest. (Take g = 10 m/s2)
Ans: (5)
From circular motion of C.M. of rod.
Ny
c
wi = 0
Nx 0 Mg
l
Nx M w2 0
2
Mg – Ny = MaT …. (i)
l
aT
2
mgl ml2
2 3
3g
.
2l
3g Mg 2 10
aT …(ii), putting (ii) in (i) Ny 5N
4 4 4

27. Two wheels 1 and 2 are connected by belt as shown in fig.

Radius of 2 is three times radius of 1. The two wheels are
rotating such that the belt does not slip on any of two
21
 wheels both wheels have the same rotational kinetic
energy. Then find Moment of Inertia of wheel 2
Moment of Inertia of wheel 1

r1 r2 r2 = 3r 1
1 2

Ans: (9)
r1w1 = r2w2 for belt not to slip
r1w1 = 3r1w2
w1 = 3w2
It both wheels have same rotational K.E.
1 1
I1w12 I 2 w 22
2 2
2
I2 w1
9
I1 w2

28. A small sphere rolls down without slipping from the top of
a track in a vertical plane. The track has an elevated section
and a horizontal part. The horizontal part is 1.0 metre above
the ground level and the top of the track is 2.4 metre above
the ground. Find the distance on the ground with respect to
the point B (which is vertically below the end of the rack as
shown in fig.) where the sphere lands. During its fight as a
projectile

2.4m A
1.0m
B

Ans: (2)
The loss in potential energy = gain in total kinetic energy

22
 1 1
Mg H  h   .Mv 2  .I2
2 2
2 v
For a sphere I  .MR 2 and    
3 R
1 2 2  v 
2
1 7
 Mg H  h   Mv    MR    2  
2
Mv 2
2 2 5   R  10

 10   2.4  1  9.8 
v   19.6 m / s2
 7 
This is horizontal velocity at point A. The vertical component of
velocity at point A is zero
 2h  2x1
 Time taken to fall a distance 1 m is t  
 g  9.8
 Distance of the position of landing the ball on ground from B
 2   19.6  2 
s  vt  19.6       2m
 9.8   9.8 

29. A uniform disc of radius R is spinned about its axis to an

angular velocity  and then carefully placed with its plane
0

on a rough horizontal surface. The time in which the disc

stops rotating is found y .Find y. Given the coefficient
0

4gR
of friction between the disc and the surface =  . Assume
that the disc exerts pressure on the horizontal surface
uniformly.
0
R

Ans: (3)
Initial kinetic energy of disc  1 I02
2

23
 Final kinetic energy of disc = 0. The kinetic energy is dissipated in
doing work against frictional couple. The value of this couple is
different for different parts of the disc. The disc may be considered
to be formed a large number of thin concentric rings. Consider one
such ring of radius x and thickness dx. If  is the mass per unit area,
then
Mass of ring m   2xdx  
Frictional couple on this ring
d  mgx    2xdx  gx  2gx 2dx
R R3 m
   2g x 2dx  2g As 
0 3 R2
 Frictional couple
 m  R
3
2
  2  2  g  mgR
 R  3 3
mR 2 4 mg
For disc I 
2 3 R
30
t y3
4gR

30. A truck, initially at rest with a solid cylinder roll of paper,

moves forward with a constant acceleration a. The cylinder
roll is lying parallel to the edge of the truck at a distance d.
Find the distance s which the truck travels before the paper
roll moves off the edge of its horizontal surface. Friction is
sufficient to prevent slipping.
d = 2m

(3)

24
The different force acting on the cylinder are shown in figure.
ma–f=mar ..... (i)
f.r = 1 mr2  ......(ii)
2
29
 ar 
3
1
d  2a / 3  t 2 i.e. t   3d / a 
2 .

ma
f
The distance travelled by the truck relative to ground before the
paper roll moves off is given by s  1 at  3d  3 m . 2

2 2

25