ANAND CLASSES study material and notes to learn about the rolling motion of a wheel with a detailed explanation, velocity analysis, and NEET 2024 question. Understand the concepts of pure rolling, velocity of different points, and key takeaways for NEET Physics preparation.
π NEET 2024 Physics Question
Rolling Motion of a Wheel β NEET 2024 Question & Explanation
A wheel of a bullock cart is rolling on a level road as shown in the figure. If its linear speed is $v$ in the direction shown, which one of the following options is correct regarding points P and Q (highest and lowest points on the wheel, respectively)?

π Given Options:
- Point P moves slower than point Q
- Point P moves faster than point Q β
- Both points P and Q move with equal speed
- Point P has zero speed
π Concept Explanation: Pure Rolling Motion
In pure rolling, the wheel has two types of motion:
1οΈβ£ Translational Motion: The entire wheel moves forward with velocity $v$.
2οΈβ£ Rotational Motion: The wheel spins about its center with angular velocity $\omega$.
Since the wheel is rolling without slipping: $v = \omega r$
Each point on the wheel has a velocity due to both translation and rotation.

π Velocity Analysis at Different Points
Let’s analyze the velocity at three key points:
1οΈβ£ Center of the Wheel (O)
- Translational velocity = $v$
- No rotational contribution at the center.
- Total velocity at the center: $v_O = v$
2οΈβ£ Topmost Point (P)
- Translational velocity = $v$ (same as the center, moving forward).
- Rotational velocity due to spinning: $v_r = \omega r = v$ (also forward).
- Total velocity at P: $v_P = v + v = 2v$
β The topmost point moves forward with twice the velocity of the center.
3οΈβ£ Bottommost Point (Q) (Point of Contact with Ground)
- Translational velocity = $v$ (same as the center, moving forward).
- Rotational velocity = $-v$ (opposite direction due to spinning).
- Total velocity at Q: $v_Q = v – v = 0$
π¨ The bottommost point has zero velocity relative to the ground. This is why the wheel rolls without slipping.
π Velocity Summary Table
Point | Translational Velocity ($v$) | Rotational Velocity ($v_r$) | Total Velocity |
---|---|---|---|
Center (O) | $v$ | 0 | $v$ |
Topmost Point (P) | $v$ | $v$ | $2v$ |
Bottommost Point (Q) | $v$ | $-v$ | 0 |
β Answer Selection
Now, let’s check the options again:
- Point P moves slower than point Q β
- Incorrect, because $v_P = 2v$ and $v_Q = 0$, so P is actually faster.
- Point P moves faster than point Q β
- Correct! P moves with speed $2v$, while Q is stationary.
- Both points move with equal speed β
- Incorrect, since $v_P = 2v$ and $v_Q = 0$.
- Point PP has zero speed β
- Incorrect, P has the highest speed $2v$.
π― Correct Answer:
(2) Point P moves faster than point Q$\boxed{(2) \text{ Point } P \text{ moves faster than point } Q}$
π Important Takeaways
βοΈ In pure rolling, the bottommost point always has zero velocity.
βοΈ The topmost point moves with the highest velocity, equal to$\:2v$.
βοΈ This principle is crucial in understanding motion of bicycle wheels, car tires, and even planetary rotation!
π Do You Know?
πΉ If rolling is not pure (slipping occurs), the bottommost point will have a nonzero velocity, causing friction to act.
πΉ In high-speed cycling, the topmost part of the wheel moves much faster than the cycle itself!
πΉ This concept helps in designing efficient tires for vehicles, ensuring minimal slipping and maximum grip.
π§© Practice Questions
π‘ Question 1:
A bicycle wheel rolls on the ground with velocity $v$. What is the speed of a point halfway between the center and the top?
(A) $v$
(B) $1.5v$
(C) $2v$
(D) $0.5v$
π‘ Question 2:
A rolling disc has an angular velocity of $10 \text{ rad/s}$ and a radius of 0.50.5 m. What is the velocity of the topmost point?
(A) $5 \text{ m/s}$
(B) $10 \text{ m/s}$
(C) $15 \text{ m/s}$
(D) $20 \text{ m/s}$
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