Physics

Physics

Problem

Two uniform wheels, X and Y, have identical radii RR and roll without slipping on a level track. At a particular instant both wheels have the same angular speed ω\omega, but wheel X has twice the mass and twice the moment of inertia of wheel Y. Which statement about their linear speeds is most accurate? a) Wheel X moves faster because its larger mass gives it more kinetic energy. b) Wheel X moves slower because more of its kinetic energy is tied up in rotation, leaving less for translation. c) Both wheels have the same linear speed because vv depends only on RR and ω\omega. d) Wheel Y moves faster because its smaller moment of inertia allows it to spin more easily.

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