A wheel of radius 0.2 m rotates freely about its center when a string that is wrapped over its rim is pulled by force of 10 N as shown in figure. The established torque produces an angular acceleration of 2rad/s2. Moment of inertia of the wheel is ______ kgm2. (Acceleration due to gravity =10m/s2)
Answer: 1
Solution
The 10 N pull acts along the rim at radius 0.2 m, so it exerts a torque τ=FR=10×0.2=2Nm about the centre. This torque drives the angular acceleration through τ=Iα, giving I=ατ=22=1kgm2. The moment of inertia of the wheel is 1kgm2.