Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following best illustrates the conservation of energy in a rotating system?.
- A.A spinning wheel that slows down due to friction, converting kinetic energy into heat.
- B.A spinning wheel that speeds up without any external torque.
- C.A spinning wheel that maintains constant speed in a vacuum.
- D.A spinning wheel that loses kinetic energy but gains potential energy.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A spinning wheel that slows down due to friction, converting kinetic energy into heat.
Explanation
Why this works
Friction does negative work, converting rotational kinetic energy into thermal energy, showing that total energy is conserved.
Common mistake
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