Flywheel Physics Simulation
This interactive simulation demonstrates the physics of a flywheel with a cord being pulled, showing angular acceleration, work done, and kinetic energy. Use the controls to explore how force applied to the cord affects the flywheel's motion.
Angular acceleration (α):
0 rad/s²
Work done by pull (W):
0 J
Kinetic energy (K):
0 J
Angular velocity (ω):
0 rad/s
Problem Parameters
Flywheel mass (M):
20 kg
Flywheel radius (R):
20 cm = 0.20 m
Applied force (F):
25 N
Moment of inertia (I):
0.40 kg·m²
Key Calculations
(a) Angular acceleration:
τ = F × R = 25 N × 0.20 m = 5.0 Nm
I = ½MR² = ½ × 20 kg × (0.20 m)² = 0.40 kg·m²
α = τ/I = 5.0 Nm / 0.40 kg·m² = 12.5 rad/s²
(b) Work done:
W = F × d = 25 N × 2 m = 50 J
(c) Kinetic energy:
θ = d/R = 2 m / 0.20 m = 10 rad
ω² = 2αθ = 2 × 12.5 rad/s² × 10 rad = 250 rad²/s²
K = ½Iω² = ½ × 0.40 kg·m² × 250 rad²/s² = 50 J
(d) Comparison:
Work done (50 J) = Kinetic energy (50 J) as expected from work-energy theorem
