Appliocations Translational and
Rotational Motion
Understanding Linear and Angular Dynamics in Mechanical Systems
How Does It Move?
• Look at a car traveling on a straight highway.
• Look at a Ferris wheel spinning on its axis.
• Identify the path: Linear vs. Circular.
• Brainstorm: List three more things that slide and
three things that spin.
Translational Motion Defined
• Definition: Movement of an object through space
where every part moves the same distance in
the same direction.
• The object's orientation remains constant
relative to the path.
• Example: A wooden block sliding across a table.
• Example: A sprinter running a 100-meter dash.
Rotational Motion Defined
• Definition: Movement of a body around a fixed
internal or external axis.
• Parts of the object move in circles of different
radii centered on the axis.
• Example: A spinning top or a fidget spinner.
• Example: The Earth's daily rotation on its axis.
The Comparative Formula Chart
• Displacement: Linear (s) in meters vs. Angular
(θ) in radians.
• Velocity: Linear (v) in m/s vs. Angular (ω) in
rad/s.
• Acceleration: Linear (a) in m/s² vs. Angular (α)
in rad/s².
• Conversion: The radius (r) is the key link
between these worlds.
The Mathematical Connection
• Formula: v = r * ω
• Linear velocity (v) is directly proportional to the
radius (r).
• Angular velocity (ω) is the rate of change of the
angle.
• A larger radius results in a higher linear speed
for the same rotational rate.
The Bicycle Wheel Example
• Observe two specks of dust: one near the hub,
one on the tire edge.
• Both specks have the SAME angular velocity (ω).
• The outer speck has a MUCH HIGHER linear
velocity (v).
• The outer speck covers more 'ground' in one full
rotation.
Activity: Human Motion Sensing
• Stand up and extend your arm fully.
• Rotate your arm from the shoulder joint (the
axis).
• Compare the sensation at your elbow vs. your
fingertips.
• Observation: Your fingertips travel a much larger
arc length.
Applications: Ergonomics & Athletics
• Ergonomics: Swivel chair casters are placed at a
specific radius for stability and smooth
translation.
• Athletics: A discus thrower maximizes arm
extension to increase the release velocity (v).
• Gymnastics: Changing body radius allows a
gymnast to speed up or slow down their spin.
• Design: Steering wheel diameters are sized to
balance force and torque.
Digital Simulation (PhET)
• Using the 'Ladybug Revolution' or similar
simulator.
• Place sensors at different distances from the
center.
• Watch the linear velocity vectors (green arrows)
grow.
• Note that the angular velocity (ω) graph is a flat
line for all points.
Pop Quiz
• 1. Match the motion: A) Sliding Drawer, B)
Revolving Door, C) Elevator, D) Clock Hand.
• 2. A bowling ball rolls down a lane. Does it
exhibit translation, rotation, or both?
• 3. If you double the radius but keep the rotation
speed the same, what happens to linear
velocity?
• 4. What is the unit for angular displacement?
PEAT #2 (individual)
Your task is to find the v = r * ω
relationship. Example, if you use
a bicycle, look at the gears. If you use an
eggbeater, look at the handle versus the
blades.
GRADING CRITERIA: Accuracy of axis
identification (25%), Estimation of radii
(25%), Clarity of diagram (25%), Correct
use of motion terms (25%).
Instructions
• Research for simple and compound
machines(e.g., eggbeater, bicycle, or manual
can opener).
• Create a simple diagram/drawing identifying the
axes of rotation. (at least 5)
• Estimate the radii of at least two different
moving parts.
• Write a 3-sentence explanation of how the
handle's rotation creates motion in the internal
parts.