Question

What are (i) translational, (ii) rotational and (iii) vibrational, kinetic energies. Give at least one example of each.

Answer 1

(i)Translational kinetic energy:

1. The energy possessed by an object traveling in a straight path is called translational kinetic energy.
2. Example: A freely falling body.

(ii) Rotational kinetic energy:

1. The energy possessed by a body due to the rotation around a fixed axis is called rotational kinetic energy.
2. Example: A spinning top.

(iii) Vibrational kinetic energy:

1. Vibrational kinetic energy is the kinetic energy, an object has due to its vibrational motion.
2. Example: Atoms in a solid vibrating about their mean position.