Let,
I1= Inertia of first (rotating) wheel
ω1= Angular speed of first wheel
I2=3I1= Inertia of second wheel
ω2=0= Angular speed of second wheel let
ω= Angular speed of coupled wheels.
According to conservation of angular momentum, total initial angular momentum
= total final angular momentum
⇒I1ω1+I2×0=(I1+I2)ω ⇒ω==⇒ω= Now, initial rotational energy of system is
K1=I1ω12+I2(0)2 ⇒K1=I1ω12 Final rotational kinetic energy of system is
K2=(I1+I2)ω2 =(I1+3I1)⋅ or
K2=K1 =×4I1× =(I1ω12) Hence, fraction of lost energy
=== ==0.75