Mechanics

Rolling Kinetic Energy

KE=12mv2+12Iω2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2

Total kinetic energy of a rolling object is the sum of translational and rotational kinetic energies.

Variables

KE
Total kinetic energy
Combined translational and rotational KE
In SI units: kg·m²/s²
Allowed values: 0 or more
J
m
Mass
Mass of rolling object
Allowed values: 0 or more
kg
v
Velocity
Center of mass velocity
m/s
I
Moment of inertia
About center of mass
Allowed values: 0 or more
kg·m²
ω
Angular velocity
Rate of rotation
rad/s

Derivation

KE_total = KE_trans + KE_rot = ½mv² + ½Iω². For rolling without slipping, v = ωR.

Your notes

0/5000

Check value

Round inputs run through this page's calculator. Use it to test your own working or a rearranged form. It is a test case, not a real-world example.

  • m = 2 kg (Mass)
  • v = 3 m/s (Velocity)
  • I = 4 kg·m² (Moment of inertia)
  • ω = 5 rad/s (Angular velocity)

Result: KE = 59 J

Other mechanics formulas with the same quantities

Where this formula is listed

Common questions

What is the Rolling Kinetic Energy formula?

Rolling Kinetic Energy is written KE = (1/2)mv² + (1/2)Iω². Total kinetic energy of a rolling object is the sum of translational and rotational kinetic energies. It belongs to Mechanics, under Rotational Motion.

What are the units in KE = (1/2)mv² + (1/2)Iω²?

In SI units, KE is total kinetic energy, measured in kg·m²/s²; m is mass, measured in kg; v is velocity, measured in m/s; I is moment of inertia, measured in kg·m²; ω is angular velocity, measured in rad/s.

How is the Rolling Kinetic Energy formula derived?

KE_total = KE_trans + KE_rot = ½mv² + ½Iω². For rolling without slipping, v = ωR. The result is KE = (1/2)mv² + (1/2)Iω².