Topic B 1- Rotation [113 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 6] 20N.3.SL.TZ0.6

A bar rotates horizontally about its centre, reaching a maximum angular velocity in six
complete rotations from rest. The bar has a constant angular acceleration of
0. 110 rad s
−2
. The moment of inertia of the bar about the axis of rotation is
0. 0216 kg m
2
.

(a) Show that the final angular velocity of the bar is about 3 rad s
−1
. [2]

Markscheme

2
ωf = 0 + 2 × 0. 110 × 6 × 2π ✓

ω f = 2. 88 «rad s −1 » ✓

Other methods are possible.

Answer 3 given so look for correct working
At least 2 sig figs for MP2.

(b) Draw the variation with time t of the angular displacement θ of the bar
during the acceleration.
 [1]

Markscheme

concave up from origin ✓

(c) Calculate the torque acting on the bar while it is accelerating. [1]

Markscheme

«I α » 2. 38 × 10
−3
Γ = so Γ = 0. 110 × 0. 0216 = «N m» ✓

(d) The torque is removed. The bar comes to rest in 30 complete rotations
with constant angular deceleration. Determine the time taken for the
bar to come to rest. [2]

Markscheme
 2

= OR −0. 022
2.9
α = « rad s
−2
»✓
2×2π×30

ω f −ω i
« = 130«s»✓
−2.9
t =
α
=
−0.0220
»

Other methods are possible.

Allow 13 1 s if 2. 88 used

Allow 126 s if 3 used

Award [2] marks for a bald correct answer

2. [Maximum mark: 5] 20N.3.SL.TZ0.7
The first diagram shows a person standing on a turntable which can rotate freely. The
person is stationary and holding a bicycle wheel. The wheel rotates anticlockwise when
seen from above.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.

The wheel is flipped, as shown in the second diagram, so that it rotates clockwise when
seen from above.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.

(a) Explain the direction in which the person-turntable system starts to

rotate.
 [3]

Markscheme

«person rotates» anticlockwise ✓

the person gains angular momentum «in the opposite direction to the new wheel
motion» ✓

so that the total angular momentum is conserved ✓

OWTTE

Award [1 max] for a bald statement of conservation of angular momentum

(b) Explain the changes to the rotational kinetic energy in the person-
turntable system. [2]

Markscheme

the rotational kinetic energy has increased ✓

energy is provided by the person doing work «flipping the wheel» ✓

OWTTE
3. [Maximum mark: 3] 20N.3.SL.TZ0.8
A solid sphere of radius r and mass m is released from rest and rolls down a
slope, without slipping. The vertical height of the slope is h. The moment of
inertia I of this sphere about an axis through its centre is 2

5
mr
2
.

10gh
Show that the linear velocity v of the sphere as it leaves the slope is √ 7
. [3]

Markscheme

conservation of rotational and linear energy

OR
mgh =
1

2
mv
2
+
1

2
Iω
2
✓

2 v
using I =
5
mr
2
AND ω =
r
✓

with correct manipulation to find the requested relationship ✓

4. [Maximum mark: 10] 19N.3.SL.TZ0.5
A flywheel is made of a solid disk with a mass M of 5.00 kg mounted on a small radial
axle. The mass of the axle is negligible. The radius R of the disk is 6.00 cm and the radius r
of the axle is 1.20 cm.

A string of negligible thickness is wound around the axle. The string is pulled by an
electric motor that exerts a vertical tension force T on the flywheel. The diagram shows
the forces acting on the flywheel. W is the weight and N is the normal reaction force from
the support of the flywheel.

The moment of inertia of the flywheel about the axis is I =

1

2
MR
2
.

The flywheel is initially at rest. At time t = 0 the motor is switched on and a time-varying
tension force acts on the flywheel. The torque Γ exerted on the flywheel by the tension
force in the string varies with t as shown on the graph.
At t = 5.00 s the string becomes fully unwound and it disconnects from the flywheel. The
flywheel remains spinning around the axle.

(a) State the torque provided by the force W about the axis of the flywheel. [1]

Markscheme

zero ✔

(b) Identify the physical quantity represented by the area under the graph. [1]

Markscheme

«change in» angular momentum ✔

NOTE: Allow angular impulse.

(c) Show that the angular velocity of the flywheel at t = 5.00 s is 200 rad s–1. [2]

Markscheme

use of L = lω = area under graph = 1.80 «kg m2 s–1» ✔

rearranges «to give ω= area/I» 1.80 = 0.5 × 5.00 × 0.0602 × ω ✔

«to get ω = 200 rad s–1 »

(d) Calculate the maximum tension in the string. [1]

Markscheme

« 0.012
0.40
= »33. 3 N ✔

(e) The flywheel is in translational equilibrium. Distinguish between

translational equilibrium and rotational equilibrium. [2]

Markscheme

translational equilibrium is when the sum of all the forces on a body is zero ✔

rotational equilibrium is when the sum of all the torques on a body is zero ✔

(f ) At t = 5.00 s the flywheel is spinning with angular velocity 200 rad s–1.
The support bearings exert a constant frictional torque on the axle. The
flywheel comes to rest after 8.00 × 103 revolutions. Calculate the
magnitude of the frictional torque exerted on the flywheel. [3]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1
 2
0 = 200 + 2 × α × 2π × 8000 ✔

« − »0. 398 « rad

−2
α = s »✔

torque =
2 −3
αI = 0. 398 × (0. 5 × 5. 00 × 0. 060 ) = 3. 58 × 10 «N m» ✔

ALTERNATIVE 2

change in kinetic energy

= « − »0. 5 × (0. 5 × 5. 00 × 0. 060 2 ) × 200 2 = « − »180 «J» ✔

identifies work done = change in KE ✔

torque =
W 180 −3

θ
=
2π×8000
= 3. 58 × 10 «N m»✔
5. [Maximum mark: 5] 19M.3.SL.TZ2.8
A uniform ladder of weight 50.0 N and length 4.00 m is placed against a frictionless wall
making an angle of 60.0° with the ground.

(a) Outline why the normal force acting on the ladder at the point of
contact with the wall is equal to the frictional force F between the
ladder and the ground. [1]

Markscheme

«translational equilibrium demands that the» resultant force in the horizontal

direction must be zero✔

«hence NW = F»

Equality of forces is given, look for reason why.

(b) Calculate F. [2]

Markscheme

«clockwise moments = anticlockwise moments»

50 × 2cos 60 = NW × 4sin 60 ✔

«N W = F =
50×2 cos 60

4 sin 60
»
 F = 14.4«N» ✔

(c) The coefficient of friction between the ladder and the ground is 0.400.
Determine whether the ladder will slip. [2]

Markscheme

maximum friction force = «0.4 × 50N» = 20«N» ✔

14.4 < 20 AND so will not slip ✔

6. [Maximum mark: 5] 19M.3.SL.TZ2.9
The moment of inertia of a solid sphere is I =
2

5
mr
2
where m is the mass of the
sphere and r is the radius.

(a) Show that the total kinetic energy Ek of the sphere when it rolls,
without slipping, at speed v is E K =
7

10
mv
2
.

[2]

Markscheme

Ek = Ek linear + Ek rotational

OR

1 2 1 2
Ek =
2
mv +
2
Iω ✔

2
1 1 2 v
=
2
mv
2
+
2
×
5
mr
2
× (
r
) ✔

«= 10
7
mv
2
»

Answer is given in the question so check working is correct at each stage.

(b) A solid sphere of mass 1.5 kg is rolling, without slipping, on a horizontal

surface with a speed of 0.50 m s-1. The sphere then rolls, without
slipping, down a ramp to reach a horizontal surface that is 45 cm lower.
 [3]

Calculate the speed of the sphere at the bottom of the ramp.

Markscheme

Initial E K =
7

10
× 1.50 × 0.5
2
«=0.26J» ✔

Final E K = 0.26 + 1.5 × 9.81 × 0.45 «=6.88J» ✔

»2.56 «m s–1» ✔
10 6.88
v = «√ 7
×
1.5
=

Other solution methods are possible.

7. [Maximum mark: 10] 18N.3.SL.TZ0.6
A uniform rod of weight 36.0 N and length 5.00 m rests horizontally. The rod is pivoted at
its left-hand end and is supported at a distance of 4.00 m from the frictionless pivot.

The support is suddenly removed and the rod begins to rotate clockwise about the pivot
point. The moment of inertia of the rod about the pivot point is 30.6 kg m2.

(a) Calculate the force the support exerts on the rod. [2]

Markscheme

taking torques about the pivot R × 4.00 = 36.0 × 2.5 ✔

R = 22.5 «N» ✔

(b) Calculate, in rad s–2, the initial angular acceleration α of the rod. [2]

Markscheme

36.0 × 2.50 = 30.6 × α ✔

α= 2.94 «rad s–2» ✔

(c) After time t the rod makes an angle θ with the horizontal. Outline why
the equation θ =
1

2
αt
2
cannot be used to find the time it takes θ to
become π

2
(that is for the rod to become vertical for the first time). [2]

Markscheme

the equation can be applied only when the angular acceleration is constant ✔

any reasonable argument that explains torque is not constant, giving non constant
acceleration ✔

(d) At the instant the rod becomes vertical show that the angular speed is ω
= 2.43 rad s–1. [3]

Markscheme
 «from conservation of energy» Change in GPE = Change in rotational KE ✔

L 1
W
2
=
2
Iω
2
✔

36.0×5.00
ω = √
30.6
✔

«ω = 2.4254 rad s–1»

(e) At the instant the rod becomes vertical calculate the angular
momentum of the rod. [1]

Markscheme

L = 30.6 × 2.43 = 74.4 «J s» ✔

8. [Maximum mark: 10] 18M.3.SL.TZ1.6
A constant force of 50.0 N is applied tangentially to the outer edge of a merry-go-round.
The following diagram shows the view from above.

The merry-go-round has a moment of inertia of 450 kg m2 about a vertical axis. The
merry-go-round has a diameter of 4.00 m.

The merry-go-round starts from rest and the force is applied for one complete
revolution.

A child of mass 30.0 kg is now placed onto the edge of the merry-go-round. No external
torque acts on the system.

The child now moves towards the centre.

(a) Show that the angular acceleration of the merry-go-round is 0.2 rad s–2. [2]

Markscheme

Γ «= Fr = 50 × 2» = 100 «Nm»

α«= Γ

I
=
100

450
» =0.22 «rads–2»

Final value to at least 2 sig figs, OR clear working with substitution required for mark.

[2 marks]
(b) Calculate, for the merry-go-round after one revolution, the angular
speed. [1]

Markscheme

«ω 2t − ω
2
0
= 2αΔθ»

«ω 2t − 0 = 2 × 0.22 × 2π»

ω t = 1.7 «rads
–1»

Accept BCA, values in the range: 1.57 to 1.70.

[1 mark]

(c) Calculate, for the merry-go-round after one revolution, the angular
momentum. [1]

Markscheme

«L = Iω = 450 × 1.66»

= 750 «kgm2 rads–1»

 Accept BCA, values in the range: 710 to 780.

[1 mark]

(d) Calculate the new angular speed of the rotating system. [2]

Markscheme

«I = 450 + mr2»

I «= 450 + 30 × 22» = 570 «kgm2»

«L = 570 × ω = 747»

ω = 1.3 «rads–1»

Watch for ECF from (a) and (b).

Accept BCA, values in the range: 1.25 to 1.35.

[2 marks]

(e) Explain why the angular speed will increase. [2]

 Markscheme

moment of inertia will decrease

angular momentum will be constant «as the system is isolated»

«so the angular speed will increase»

[2 marks]

(f ) Calculate the work done by the child in moving from the edge to the
centre. [2]

Markscheme

ωt = 1.66 from bi AND W = ΔEk

× 450 × 1.662 – × 570 × 1.312 = 131 «J»

1 1
W= 2 2

ECF from 8bi

Accept BCA, value depends on the answers in previous questions.

[2 marks]
9. [Maximum mark: 9] 18M.3.SL.TZ2.6
A wheel of mass 0.25 kg consists of a cylinder mounted on a central shaft. The shaft has
a radius of 1.2 cm and the cylinder has a radius of 4.0 cm. The shaft rests on two rails
with the cylinder able to spin freely between the rails.

The stationary wheel is released from rest and rolls down a slope with the shaft
rolling on the rails without slipping from point A to point B.

The wheel leaves the rails at point B and travels along the flat track to point C. For a short
time the wheel slips and a frictional force F exists on the edge of the wheel as shown.
(a) The moment of inertia of the wheel is 1.3 × 10–4 kg m2. Outline what is
meant by the moment of inertia. [1]

Markscheme

an object’s resistance to change in rotational motion

OR

equivalent of mass in rotational equations

OWTTE

[1 mark]

(b) In moving from point A to point B, the centre of mass of the wheel falls
through a vertical distance of 0.36 m. Show that the translational speed
of the wheel is about 1 m s–1 after its displacement. [3]

Markscheme

ΔKE + Δrotational KE = ΔGPE

OR
2

mv2 + I r = mgh
1 1 v
2
2 2
 2

× 0.250 × v2 + × 1.3 × 10–4 × = 0.250 × 9.81 × 0.36

1 1 v
−4
2 2 1.44×10

v = 1.2 «m s–1»

[3 marks]

(c) Determine the angular velocity of the wheel at B. [1]

Markscheme

ω «= 1.2

0.012
» = 100 «rad s–1»

[1 mark]

(d) Describe the effect of F on the linear speed of the wheel. [2]

Markscheme

force in direction of motion

so linear speed increases

 [2 marks]

(e) Describe the effect of F on the angular speed of the wheel. [2]

Markscheme

force gives rise to anticlockwise/opposing torque on

wheel ✓ so angular speed decreases ✓

OWTTE

[2 marks]
10. [Maximum mark: 8] 17N.3.SL.TZ0.6
A train is passing through a tunnel of proper length 80 m. The proper length of the
train is 100 m. According to an observer at rest relative to the tunnel, when the front of
the train coincides with one end of the tunnel, the rear of the train coincides with the
other end of the tunnel.

(a) Explain what is meant by proper length. [1]

Markscheme

the length of an object in its rest frame

OR

the length of an object measured when at rest relative to the observer

(b) Draw a spacetime diagram for this situation according to an observer

at rest relative to the tunnel. [3]

Markscheme

world lines for front and back of tunnel parallel to ct axis

world lines for front and back of train

which are parallel to ct′ axis

(c) Calculate the velocity of the train, according to an observer at rest
relative to the tunnel, at which the train fits the tunnel. [2]

Markscheme

realizes that gamma = 1.25

0.6c
(d) For an observer on the train, it is the tunnel that is moving and
therefore will appear length contracted. This seems to contradict the
observation made by the observer at rest to the tunnel, creating a
paradox. Explain how this paradox is resolved. You may refer to your
spacetime diagram in (b). [2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

indicates the two simultaneous events for t frame

marks on the diagram the different times «for both spacetime points» on the ct′ axis
«shown as Δt′ on each diagram»

ALTERNATIVE 2: (no diagram reference)

the two events occur at different points in space

statement that the two events are not simultaneous in the t′ frame
11. [Maximum mark: 12] 17N.3.SL.TZ0.7
2
A hoop of mass m, radius r and moment of inertia mr rests on a rough plane inclined at
an angle θ to the horizontal. It is released so that the hoop gains linear and angular
acceleration by rolling, without slipping, down the plane.

(a) On the diagram, draw and label the forces acting on the hoop. [2]

Markscheme

weight, normal reaction and friction in correct direction

correct points of application for at least two correct forces

Labelled on diagram.

Allow different wording and symbols

 Ignore relative lengths

(b) Show that the linear acceleration a of the hoop is given by the
equation shown.

g×sin q
a= 2
[4]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

ma = mg sin θ – Ff

Iα = Ff x r

OR

mr α = Ff
a
α=
r

a
ma = mg sin θ – mr r
→ 2a = g sin θ

Can be in any order

No mark for re-writing given answer

Accept answers using the parallel axis theorem (with I = 2mr2) only if clear and explicit mention that the only torque
is from the weight

Answer given look for correct working

ALTERNATIVE 2

Iω2 + mv2
1 1
mgh = 2 2

substituting ω = v

r
«giving v = √gh»

correct use of a kinematic equation

use of trigonometry to relate displacement and height «s = h sin θ»

 For alternative 2, MP3 and MP4 can only be awarded if the previous marking points are present

(c) Calculate the acceleration of the hoop when θ = 20°. Assume that the
hoop continues to roll without slipping. [1]

Markscheme

1.68 «ms–2»

(d) State the relationship between the force of friction and the angle of the
incline. [2]

Markscheme
 ALTERNATIVE 1

N = mg cos θ

Ff ≤ μmg cos θ

ALTERNATIVE 2

Ff = ma «from 7(b)»

mg sin θ
so Ff = 2

(e) The angle of the incline is slowly increased from zero. Determine the
angle, in terms of the coefficient of friction, at which the hoop will
begin to slip. [3]

Markscheme

Ff = μmg cos θ

mg sin θ

2
= mg sin θ – μmg cos θ

OR

mg = μmg cos θ
sin θ

algebraic manipulation to reach tan θ = 2μ

12. [Maximum mark: 10] 17M.3.SL.TZ1.5
A horizontal rigid bar of length 2R is pivoted at its centre. The bar is free to rotate in a
horizontal plane about a vertical axis through the pivot. A point particle of mass M is
attached to one end of the bar and a container is attached to the other end of the bar.

A point particle of mass 3 moving with speed v at right angles to the rod collides with
M

the container and gets stuck in the container. The system then starts to rotate about the
vertical axis.

The mass of the rod and the container can be neglected.

A torque of 0.010 N m brings the system to rest after a number of revolutions. For this
case R = 0.50 m, M = 0.70 kg and v = 2.1 m s–1.

(a) Write down an expression, in terms of M, v and R, for the angular

momentum of the system about the vertical axis just before the
collision. [1]

Markscheme

M
vR
3

[1 mark]
(b) Just after the collision the system begins to rotate about the vertical
axis with angular velocity ω. Show that the angular momentum of the
system is equal to 4

3
M R ω.
2
[1]

Markscheme

evidence of use of: L 2 M 2

= I ω = (M R + R )ω
3

[1 mark]

v
(c) Hence, show that ω =
4R
. [1]

Markscheme

evidence of use of conservation of angular momentum,

M vR 4 2
= MR ω
3 3

«rearranging to get ω =
v

4R
»

[1 mark]

(d) Determine in terms of M and v the energy lost during the collision. [3]

Markscheme
 2

initial KE =
Mv

final KE =
Mv

24

energy loss =
Mv

[3 marks]

(e) Show that the angular deceleration of the system is 0.043 rads–2. [1]

Markscheme

α «= »=
3 Γ 3 0.01
2 2
4 MR 4 0.7×0.5

«to give α = 0.04286 rads−2»

Working OR answer to at least 3 SF must be shown

[1 mark]

(f ) Calculate the number of revolutions made by the system before it

comes to rest. [3]
Markscheme

2
ω
θ =
2α
i
«from ω 2f = ω
2
i
+ 2αθ»

2 2
v 2.1
θ «= 2
= 2
» = 12.8 OR 12.9 «rad»
32R α 32×0.5 ×0.043

12.9
number of rotations «= 2π
» = 2.0 revolutions

[3 marks]
13. [Maximum mark: 10] 17M.3.SL.TZ2.6
2
A cylindrical space probe of mass 8.00 x 10 kg and diameter 12.0 m is at rest in outer
space.

Rockets at opposite points on the probe are fired so that the probe rotates about its
axis. Each rocket produces a force F = 9.60 x 103 N. The moment of inertia of the probe
about its axis is 1.44 x 104 kgm2.

The diagram shows a satellite approaching the rotating probe with negligibly small
speed. The satellite is not rotating initially, but after linking to the probe they both rotate
together.

The moment of inertia of the satellite about its axis is 4.80 x 103 kgm2. The axes of
the probe and of the satellite are the same.
(a) Deduce the linear acceleration of the centre of mass of the probe. [1]

Markscheme

zero

[1 mark]

(b) Calculate the resultant torque about the axis of the probe. [2]

Markscheme

the torque of each force is 9.60 x 103 x 6.0 = 5.76 x 104 «Nm»

so the net torque is 2 x 5.76 x 104 = 1.15 x 105 «Nm»

Allow a one-step solution.

[2 marks]

(c) The forces act for 2.00 s. Show that the final angular speed of the probe
is about 16 rads–1. [2]

Markscheme

the angular acceleration is given by 1.15×10

4
«= 8.0 s–2»
1.44×10

ω = «αt = 8.0 x 2.00 =» 16 «s–1»

 [2 marks]

(d) Determine the final angular speed of the probe–satellite system. [2]

Markscheme

1.44 x 104 x 16.0 = (1.44 x 104 + 4.80 x 103) x ω

ω = 12.0 «s–1»

Allow ECF from (b).

[2 marks]

(e) Calculate the loss of rotational kinetic energy due to the linking of the
probe with the satellite. [3]
Markscheme

initial KE 1

2
× 1.44 × 10
4
× 16.0
2
= 1.843 × 10
6
«J»

1
final KE 2
× (1.44 × 10
4 3
+ 4.80 × 10 ) × 12.0
2
= 1.382 × 10
6
«J»

loss of KE = 4.6 x 105 «J»

Allow ECF from part (c)(i).

[3 marks]
14. [Maximum mark: 8] 16N.3.SL.TZ0.8
A flywheel consists of a solid cylinder, with a small radial axle protruding from its centre.

The following data are available for the flywheel.

Flywheel mass M = 1.22 kg Small axle radius r = 60.0 mm Flywheel radius R = 240 mm
Moment of inertia = 0.5 MR2

An object of mass m is connected to the axle by a light string and allowed to fall
vertically from rest, exerting a torque on the flywheel.

(a) The velocity of the falling object is 1.89 m s–1 at 3.98 s. Calculate the
average angular acceleration of the flywheel. [2]

Markscheme

ALTERNATIVE 1

ω f inal =
v
= 31.5 «rad s
–1»
r

«ω = ω o + αt so» α =
ω
=
31.5 –2»
= 7.91 «rad s
t 3.98

ALTERNATIVE 2
a =
1.89
= 0.4749 «m s
–2»
3.98

α =
a
=
0.4749
= 7.91 «rad s
–2»
r 0.060

Award [1 max] for r = 0.24 mm used giving α = 1.98 «rad s –2».

(b) Show that the torque acting on the flywheel is about 0.3 Nm. [2]

Markscheme

1 2 1 2
Γ = MR α = × 1.22 × 0.240 × 7.91
2 2

= 0.278 «Nm»

At least two significant figures required for MP2, as question is a “Show”.

(c) (i) Calculate the tension in the string.

(ii) Determine the mass m of the falling object. [4]

Markscheme

Γ
FT =
r

F T = 4.63 «N»
Allow 5 «N» if Γ= 0.3 Νm is used.

ii

F T = mg − ma so m =
4.63

9.81−0.475

m = 0.496 «kg»

Allow ECF
15. [Maximum mark: 2] 16N.3.SL.TZ0.9
The diagram shows two methods of pedalling a bicycle using a force F.

In method 1 the pedal is always horizontal to the ground. A student claims

that method 2 is better because the pedal is always parallel to the crank arm.
Explain why method 2 is more effective. [2]

Markscheme

in method 1 the perpendicular distance varies from 0 to a maximum value, in

method 2 this distance is constant at the maximum value
OR
angle between F and r is 90° in method 2 and less in method 1
OR
Γ = F × perpendicular distance

perpendicular distance/ torque is greater in method 2

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