---
title: "In a demonstration, a teacher holds the axle of a wheel that is spinning with constant angular speed. The teacher then releases the axle and the wheel begins to fall toward the ground. As the wheel falls, its angular speed remains constant. Which of the following correctly describes how the rotational kinetic energy \\( K_{\\text{rot}} \\) of the wheel and the total kinetic energy \\( K_{\\text{tot}} \\) of the wheel change, if at all, after the wheel is released but before it reaches the ground?\\( K_{\\text{rot}} \\)\\( K_{\\text{tot}} \\)AConstantConstantBConstantIncreasingCIncreasingConstantDIncreasingIncreasing"
description: "## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please […]"
url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/90607/"
date_modified: "2025-11-06T09:19:52+00:00"
---

# In a demonstration, a teacher holds the axle of a wheel that is spinning with constant angular speed. The teacher then releases the axle and the wheel begins to fall toward the ground. As the wheel falls, its angular speed remains constant. Which of the following correctly describes how the rotational kinetic energy \( K_{\text{rot}} \) of the wheel and the total kinetic energy \( K_{\text{tot}} \) of the wheel change, if at all, after the wheel is released but before it reaches the ground?\( K_{\text{rot}} \)\( K_{\text{tot}} \)AConstantConstantBConstantIncreasingCIncreasingConstantDIncreasingIncreasing

In a demonstration, a teacher holds the axle of a wheel that is spinning with constant angular speed. The teacher then releases the axle and the wheel begins to fall toward the ground. As the wheel falls, its angular speed remains constant. Which of the following correctly describes how the rotational kinetic energy \( K_{\text{rot}} \) of the wheel and the total kinetic energy \( K_{\text{tot}} \) of the wheel change, if at all, after the wheel is released but before it reaches the ground?

|  | \( K_{\text{rot}} \) | \( K_{\text{tot}} \) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A | Constant | Constant |
| B | Constant | Increasing |
| C | Increasing | Constant |
| D | Increasing | Increasing |

- **A.** A
- **B.** B
- **C.** C
- **D.** D

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/90607/*