KHAEMENES ACADEMY · PHYSICS 12 · WEEK 22 · DAY 02

Rolling Without Slipping

How is energy partitioned in rolling systems?

Explicit physics instruction

Use K_total=½Mv²+½Iω² and v=rω. Rolling without slipping constrains v and ω so they cannot be chosen independently.

For a rolling body with M=2 kg, v=3 m/s, I=0.50 kg·m², and ω=6 rad/s, K_trans=9 J and K_rot=9 J, so total KE=18 J.

If slipping occurs, v=rω no longer applies exactly.

Core relations: K_total=½Mv²+½Iω² and v=rω.

Worked example

At r=0.50 m and v=2.0 m/s, rolling without slipping requires ω=v/r=4.0 rad/s.

Guided question

A wheel rolls at 3 m/s with radius 0.30 m. Find ω.

Independent work

  1. Solve three rotational-energy or rolling calculations.
  2. Draw an energy bar chart.
  3. State one condition where v=rω fails.

Misconception check

Rolling does not mean all kinetic energy is translational; rotation stores part of the total.

Formative check

What extra energy term must be included for a rolling object?

Reveal response

Rotational kinetic energy ½Iω².

Mentor evidence conference

Ask Archaemenes to audit rolling constraints, moment-of-inertia reasoning, and energy accounting.

Teacher guidance

Foundation: Calculate K_rot and v=rω.

Core: Combine translational and rotational energy.

Extended: Compare shapes using I and conservation residuals.