Question:

The angular momentum of a wheel having a rotational inertia of \[ 0.2\,\text{kg m}^2 \] about its symmetric axis decreases from \[ 4 \text{ to } 2\,\text{kg m}^2\text{s}^{-1} \] in \(4\,\text{s}\). The average power of the wheel is:

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For rotational motion, \[ L=I\omega \] and \[ K=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2. \] First find angular velocities from angular momentum, then compute rotational kinetic energies.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • \(7.5\,\text{W}\)
  • \(15\,\text{W}\)
  • \(5\,\text{W}\)
  • \(12\,\text{W}\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use the relation between angular momentum and angular velocity.
Angular momentum is \[ L=I\omega \] Given, \[ I=0.2\,\text{kg m}^2 \] Initial angular momentum: \[ L_1=4\,\text{kg m}^2\text{s}^{-1} \] Final angular momentum: \[ L_2=2\,\text{kg m}^2\text{s}^{-1} \] Thus, \[ \omega_1=\frac{L_1}{I}=\frac{4}{0.2}=20\,\text{rad/s} \] \[ \omega_2=\frac{L_2}{I}=\frac{2}{0.2}=10\,\text{rad/s} \]

Step 2: Find initial and final rotational kinetic energies.
Rotational kinetic energy is \[ K=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2 \] Initial kinetic energy: \[ K_1=\frac{1}{2}(0.2)(20)^2 \] \[ K_1=0.1\times 400 \] \[ K_1=40\,\text{J} \] Final kinetic energy: \[ K_2=\frac{1}{2}(0.2)(10)^2 \] \[ K_2=0.1\times 100 \] \[ K_2=10\,\text{J} \]

Step 3: Find change in energy.
Energy lost: \[ \Delta K=40-10=30\,\text{J} \] Time taken: \[ t=4\,\text{s} \] Average power: \[ P=\frac{\Delta K}{t} \] \[ P=\frac{30}{4} \] \[ P=7.5\,\text{W} \]

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Hence, the average power of the wheel is \[ \boxed{7.5\,\text{W}} \]
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