Energy of a car’s wheels while moving — what forms are present?

Introduction / Context:
Rolling motion combines translation of the center of mass and rotation about that center. Recognizing both energy contributions is critical for braking, fuel economy, and vehicle dynamics analyses.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Wheels are rigid and roll without slipping.
• Vehicle moves with speed v; wheel has angular speed ω with v = ω r.
• Gravitational potential energy changes are not under consideration on level ground.

Concept / Approach:
Total kinetic energy of a rolling rigid wheel equals translational kinetic energy of its center of mass plus rotational kinetic energy about its center. Thus, KE_total = (1/2) m v^2 + (1/2) I ω^2. For pure rolling, v and ω are linked through the radius r.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Special case: A thin hoop (I = m r^2) gives K_total = (1/2) m v^2 + (1/2) m r^2 (v^2 / r^2) = m v^2, demonstrating substantial rotational contribution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Potential energy only: Irrelevant on level motion; energy form is kinetic.
• Translation only / Rotation only: Neglect one essential component of rolling motion.
• No energy: Rolling without slipping does not eliminate kinetic energy; it simply avoids sliding friction losses.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting rotational inertia effects; underestimating braking distances by ignoring rotational energy of wheels and drivetrain components.

Final Answer:
Kinetic energy of translation and rotation both