The rotational kinetic energy of a body is

  • A. half m v squared
  • B. I omega
  • C. half I omega squared
  • D. I alpha

Explanation

Replacing mass with moment of inertia and linear speed with angular speed in the familiar expression gives half I omega squared. A rolling body has both this and the translational half m v squared, which is why a ball rolling down a slope reaches the bottom more slowly than one that slides without friction. The share of the energy going into rotation depends on the shape of the body.

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