A disk and a ring of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one reaches the ground first?

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Q: A disk and a ring of the same mass and radius are released from rest at the same height. Which one reaches the ground first?

Solution: The disk has a lower moment of inertia compared to the ring, thus it reaches the ground first.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand that both the disk and the ring have the same mass and radius.
Step 2: Know that when they are released from the same height, they will both start to fall due to gravity.
Step 3: Learn about moment of inertia, which is a measure of how difficult it is to change the rotation of an object.
Step 4: Realize that the disk has a lower moment of inertia compared to the ring, meaning it can rotate more easily.
Step 5: Understand that because the disk rotates more easily, it will convert more of its potential energy into kinetic energy as it falls.
Step 6: Conclude that the disk will reach the ground before the ring because it has a lower moment of inertia.