Which of the following objects has the greatest rotational kinetic energy? Each has mass M and radius R, and rotates with angular velocity ω.
A) a solid sphere
B) a solid cylinder
C) a thin-walled spherical shell
D) a thin-walled cylindrical shell
E) all have the same rotational KE

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rotational kinetic energy is given by $ KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2} I \omega^2 $, where $ I $ is the moment of inertia. The thin-walled cylindrical shell has the largest moment of inertia $ I = MR^2 $, leading to the greatest rotational kinetic energy for the same mass, radius, and angular velocity.

Which of the Following Objects Has the Greatest Rotational Kinetic