Kinetic energy question
Is the linear velocity at the center of a wheel (Vo) needed for final Kinetic energy? if the wheel is attached by a cable to a falling block?

Question

Kinetic energy question
Is the linear velocity at the center of a wheel (Vo) needed for final Kinetic energy? if the wheel is attached by a cable to a falling block?

anonymous · Answer

If we have a spinning wheel that is also in translational motion, we need to account for both the spinning and the translation when calculating total kinetic energy of the wheel. 

$$KE = {1 \over 2} mv^2 + {1 \over 2} I \omega^2$$