Consider a uniform solid sphere of radius R and mass M rolling without slipping. The moment of inertia of the sphere about an axis through its center is 25MR2. Which form of its kinetic energy is larger, translational or rotational? Consider

Its translational kinetic energy is:

KE = ½ mv²

It's rotational kinetic energy is:

RE = ½ Iω²

For a solid sphere, I = ⅖ mr², and since it's not slipping, ω = v/r.

RE = ½ (⅖ mr²) (v/r) ²

RE = ⅕ mv²

Therefore, the translational kinetic energy is larger.