A wheel rotates without friction about a stationary horizontal axis at the center of the wheel. A constant tangential force equal to 80 N is applied to the rim of the wheel. The wheel has radius 0.12 m. Starting from rest, the wheel has an angular velocity of 1.2 rad/s after 2 s. What is the rotational inertia of the wheel?

I = 16 kg*m²

Explanation:

Newton's second law for rotation

τ = I * α Formula (1)

where:

τ : It is the moment applied to the body. (Nxm)

I : it is the moment of inertia of the body with respect to the axis of rotation (kg*m²)

α : It is angular acceleration. (rad/s²)

Kinematics of the wheel

Equation of circular motion uniformly accelerated:

ωf = ω₀ + α*t Formula (2)

Where:

α : Angular acceleration (rad/s²)

ω₀ : Initial angular speed (rad/s)

ωf : Final angular speed (rad

t : time interval (rad)

Data

ω₀ = 0

ωf = 1.2 rad/s

t = 2 s

Angular acceleration of the wheel

We replace data in the formula (2):

ωf = ω₀ + α*t

1.2 = 0 + α * (2)

α * (2) = 1.2

α = 1.2 / 2

α = 0.6 rad/s²

Magnitude of the net torque (τ)

τ = F * R

Where:

F = tangential force (N)

R = radio (m)

τ = 80 N * 0.12 m

τ = 9.6 N * m

Rotational inertia of the wheel

We replace data in the formula (1):

τ = I * α

9.6 = I * (0.6)

I = 9.6 / (0.6)

I = 16 kg*m²