Free AP Physics C lesson

Rotational Kinetic Energy

This AP Physics C: Mechanics lesson is designed for AP Physics C self-study. It includes 3 video lessons, 6 practice questions, and an estimated completion time of 22 minutes.

Video lessons

  1. Rotational Kinetic Energy (part 1)

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  2. Rotational Kinetic Energy (part 2)

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  3. An example of an Atwood's Machine problem involving a pulley with non-negligible mass and with friction in its axle

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Practice covered

  1. What is the formula for rotational kinetic energy?
  2. A uniform meter stick is pivoted at one end and released from a horizontal position. Which energy transformation occurs as it swings down?
  3. A solid cylinder rolls without slipping on a level surface. What is its total kinetic energy?
  4. A hollow hoop of mass m rolls without slipping down an incline from height h. Using energy conservation, what is its speed at the bottom? Express your answer as v = sqrtCgh where C is a constant. What is C?
  5. In an Atwood's machine with a pulley of non-negligible mass, why are the two string tensions not equal?
  6. In an Atwood's machine problem with friction in the pulley's axle, what happens to the mechanical energy lost to friction?
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