FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
UNIT I: CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Module 4: Rotational Dynamics
Introduction
Until now, we have primarily focused on the concept of translational motion, but it's important to also
understand the principles of rotational motion, which are equally applicable to our daily lives. In this
module, we will explore the application of kinematic and dynamic concepts to rotational motion, where
we examine the relationships between rotation angles, angular velocity, angular acceleration, and time.
By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of why figure skaters need to modify their
form while spinning and how the principles of rotational motion govern their movements.
Objectives
After working on this module, you should be able to:
Describe the physical meaning of rotational variables,
Explain the relationship between angular velocity and tangential speed,
Calculate the angular velocity and angular acceleration in a rotating system,
Derive rotational kinematic equations,
Define torque, and
Define angular momentum
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 1
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
TOPIC 11:
Rotational Kinematics
Rotational kinematics describes the motion of objects that are rotating around an axis. In this module,
we will discuss the basic concepts of rotational kinematics, including angular displacement, velocity, and
acceleration.
Angular Displacement:
Angular displacement is a measure of the change in an object's angle or position as it rotates around an
axis. It is measured in radians, where one radian is equal to the angle subtended at the center of a circle
by an arc equal in length to the radius of the circle. The mathematical formula for angular displacement
is:
Δθ = θf - θi
where Δθ is the change in angular displacement, θf is the final angle, and θi is the initial angle.
Angular Velocity:
Angular velocity is a measure of the rate at which an object is rotating around an axis. It is measured in
radians per second (rad/s), and the mathematical formula for angular velocity is:
ω = Δθ / Δt
where ω is angular velocity, Δθ is angular displacement, and Δt is the time interval over which the
displacement occurred.
Angular Acceleration:
Angular acceleration is a measure of the rate at which an object's angular velocity is changing. It is
measured in radians per second squared (rad/s^2), and the mathematical formula for angular
acceleration is:
α = Δω / Δt
where α is angular acceleration, Δω is the change in angular velocity, and Δt is the time interval over
which the change occurred.
Applications of Rotational Kinematics:
Rotational kinematics has numerous practical applications in our daily lives, including:
Engineering: The design of machines, such as engines and turbines, involves understanding the
principles of rotational kinematics.
Sports: Many sports, such as gymnastics and figure skating, involve rotations and angular
displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
Astronomy: The study of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, involves understanding the
principles of rotational kinematics.
Rotational kinematics describes the motion of objects that are rotating around an axis. Understanding
the basic concepts of angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration is important in analyzing physical
systems and predicting their behavior. By understanding rotational kinematics, we can design and
optimize systems that are more efficient and effective.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 2
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
Rotational and Translational Kinematic Equations:
If you prefer to have a more detailed discussion on this topic, you can read the
following chapters in textbooks from OpenStax:
Chapter 10.2 of College Physics by Paul Peter Urone & Roger Hinrichs (pp.
352-356)
Chapter 10 of Physics for Dummies by Steven Holzner (pp. 153-159)
Here are some recommended YouTube videos on rotational kinematics:
"Rotational Kinematics, Rolling Motion, and Angular Momentum" by
Flipping Physics: This video provides a comprehensive introduction to
rotational kinematics, including rolling motion and angular momentum. It
uses visual aids and real-world examples to make the concepts easy to
understand.
"Rotational Kinematics" by Michel van Biezen: This video provides a clear
explanation of rotational kinematics, covering topics such as angular
displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration. It also includes
examples and practice problems to help you solidify your understanding.
"Rotational Motion - All Formulas Explained" by Physics Galaxy: This
video provides a comprehensive overview of all the formulas related to
rotational kinematics, including those for angular displacement, velocity,
and acceleration, as well as centripetal force and torque.
"Rotational Motion & Torque" by Khan Academy: This video covers the
basics of rotational motion, including torque, angular acceleration, and
angular momentum. It includes clear explanations and examples to help
you understand the concepts.
"Rotational Kinematics & Dynamics" by The Organic Chemistry Tutor:
This video provides a thorough overview of rotational kinematics and
dynamics, covering topics such as rotational inertia, angular momentum,
and the conservation of angular momentum. It also includes worked
examples and practice problems.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 3
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
Here are some tips to keep in mind solving problems about rotational kinematics:
1. Draw a clear diagram: Drawing a diagram of the problem can help you visualize what is
happening and make it easier to identify important variables and relationships between them.
2. Identify known and unknown quantities: Determine what quantities are given in the problem
and what you need to find. This will help you decide what equations and formulas to use.
3. Use kinematic equations: The kinematic equations for rotational motion are similar to those for
linear motion, but they are applied to rotational quantities such as angular displacement,
angular velocity, and angular acceleration. Make sure you use the appropriate equations for the
problem.
4. Pay attention to units: Make sure all units are consistent and use the appropriate units for
rotational quantities, such as radians for angular displacement and radians per second for
angular velocity.
5. Use conservation of energy and/or momentum: If appropriate, you can use conservation of
energy and/or momentum to solve problems involving rotational motion.
6. Practice, practice, practice: The more practice problems you solve, the more comfortable you
will become with the concepts and equations of rotational kinematics.
Remember, solving problems in rotational kinematics requires a solid understanding of the underlying
concepts and equations, as well as careful attention to detail. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get
stuck or need clarification on a concept.
Example 1: A wheel with a radius of 0.5 meters is rotating at a constant speed of 100 revolutions per
minute. What is its angular velocity in radians per second?
Solution:
First, we need to convert the wheel's constant speed in revolutions per minute to angular velocity in
radians per second. We can do this using the conversion factor of 1 revolution per minute = 2π/60
radians per second.
So, angular velocity = (100 rev/min) x (2π/60 rad/s) = 10.47 rad/s
Therefore, the angular velocity of the wheel is 10.47 radians per second.
Example 2: A solid cylinder with a radius of 0.2 meters and a mass of 2 kg is rolling without slipping on a
horizontal surface with a linear speed of 4 meters per second. What is the cylinder's angular velocity?
Solution:
When a solid cylinder rolls without slipping, the linear velocity of the center of mass is equal to the
product of its angular velocity and its radius.
So, linear velocity of the center of mass = 4 m/s
Also, the moment of inertia of a solid cylinder about its axis is I = 1/2 * m * r^2
Therefore, angular velocity = linear velocity of the center of mass / radius
= 4 m/s / 0.2 m
= 20 rad/s
Therefore, the cylinder's angular velocity is 20 radians per second.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 4
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
Example 3: A 5 kg object with a moment of inertia of 0.1 kgm^2 is rotating with an angular velocity of 10
radians per second. What is its rotational kinetic energy?
Solution:
Rotational kinetic energy is given by the formula: 1/2 * I * ω^2
Substituting the values given in the problem, we get:
Rotational kinetic energy = 1/2 * 0.1 kgm^2 * (10 rad/s)^2
=5J
Therefore, the object's rotational kinetic energy is 5 Joules.
Example 4: A 2-meter-long rod is pivoted at one end and is initially at rest. A constant torque of 10 Nm is
applied to the other end for 5 seconds. What is the final angular velocity of the rod?
Solution:
The torque applied to the rod is given by the formula: T = I * α, where I is the moment of inertia and α is
the angular acceleration.
So, we can solve for α: α = T / I = (10 Nm) / (1/3 * m * L^2) = 30 / mrad/s^2
Using the formula for angular velocity: ω = ω0 + α * t, where ω0 is the initial angular velocity and t is
time, we can solve for the final angular velocity:
ω = 0 + (30 / mrad/s^2) * 5 s = 150 / mrad/s
Therefore, the final angular velocity of the rod is 150 / mrad/s.
From these examples, we can learn how to apply the formulas and concepts of rotational kinematics to
solve various problems related to the motion of rotating objects. We can also learn how to convert units
and use appropriate conversion factors to obtain the desired units of measurement. Moreover, we can
understand the relationships between different physical quantities such as angular velocity, linear
velocity, moment of inertia, torque, angular acceleration, and rotational kinetic energy. These examples
also demonstrate how to use the equations of motion to solve problems involving constant or variable
torque, initial or final angular velocity, and time intervals. Overall, these examples provide a practical
understanding of rotational kinematics and its applications in physics.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 5
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
TOPIC 12:
Torque and Angular Momentum
Torque and angular momentum are fundamental concepts in physics that describe the rotational
motion of objects. In this module, we will discuss the basic concepts of torque and angular momentum,
their mathematical formulas, and their applications in real-world systems.
Torque:
Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate around an axis. It is defined as the cross
product of the force and the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied.
The mathematical formula for torque is:
τ=rxF
where τ is torque, r is the distance from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied, and
F is the force.
Angular Momentum:
Angular momentum is a measure of the amount of rotational motion an object has around an axis. It is
defined as the cross product of the object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity. The
mathematical formula for angular momentum is:
L = Iω
where L is angular momentum, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity.
Conservation of Angular Momentum:
The law of conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a closed
system remains constant over time, provided that there are no external torques acting on the system.
This principle is often used to analyze physical systems and predict their behavior.
Applications of Torque and Angular Momentum:
Torque and angular momentum have numerous practical applications in our daily lives, including:
Engineering: The design of machines, such as engines and turbines, involves understanding the
principles of torque and angular momentum.
Sports: Many sports, such as gymnastics and figure skating, involve rotations and the application of
torque.
Astronomy: The study of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, involves understanding the
principles of angular momentum.
Torque and angular momentum are fundamental concepts in physics that describe the rotational
motion of objects. Understanding the basic concepts of torque, angular momentum, and their
conservation is important in analyzing physical systems and predicting their behavior. By understanding
these concepts, we can design and optimize systems that are more efficient and effective.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 6
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
If you prefer to have a more detailed discussion on this topic, you can read the
following chapters on textbooks from OpenStax:
Chapter 9.2 of College Physics by Paul Peter Urone & Roger Hinrichs (pp.
319-323,
334-373)
Chapter 10.5 of College Physics by Paul Peter Urone & Roger Hinrichs (pp.
367-373)
Chapter 10-11 of Physics for Dummies by Steven Holzner (pp. 160-187)
Here are some excellent YouTube videos on angular momentum:
"Torque and Angular Momentum" by Michel van Biezen: This video
provides a comprehensive introduction to torque and angular momentum,
including examples and detailed explanations.
"Introduction to Torque" by Khan Academy: This video covers the basics
of torque, including the definition, units, and calculations.
"Angular Momentum" by Physics Girl: This video provides a fun and
engaging introduction to angular momentum, including demonstrations
and real-world applications.
"Torque and Rotational Equilibrium" by Flipping Physics: This video
explains torque and rotational equilibrium using real-world examples and
demonstrations.
"Conservation of Angular Momentum" by Veritasium: This video explains
the conservation of angular momentum and includes a fascinating
demonstration involving ice skaters.
Example 5: A uniform meter stick of mass 200g is suspended at the 40 cm mark. What is the torque
about the 20 cm mark due to the force of gravity?
Solution: The torque due to the force of gravity is given by the formula T = F x d, where T is the torque, F
is the force, and d is the distance from the point of rotation. In this case, the force of gravity acts on the
center of mass of the meter stick, which is at the 50 cm mark. So the force of gravity is (0.2 kg) x (9.8
m/s^2) = 1.96 N. The distance from the 20 cm mark to the center of mass is 30 cm, so the torque is T =
(1.96 N) x (0.3 m) = 0.588 Nm.
Example 6: A wheel with a radius of 0.5 m is rotating at 120 rpm. What is its angular velocity in radians
per second?
Solution: The angular velocity is given by the formula ω = 2πf, where ω is the angular velocity, f is the
frequency, and π is the constant pi. Since the wheel is rotating at 120 rpm, its frequency is f = 120/60 = 2
Hz. So the angular velocity is ω = 2π x 2 = 4π rad/s.
Example 7: A pulley system consists of two masses, one of 2 kg and one of 3 kg, connected by a rope
over a pulley with a radius of 0.1 m. What is the torque on the pulley due to the weight of the masses?
Solution: The torque on the pulley due to the weight of the masses is given by the formula T = (m1 -
m2)gr, where T is the torque, m1 and m2 are the masses, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the
radius of the pulley. In this case, m1 = 2 kg, m2 = 3 kg, g = 9.8 m/s^2, and r = 0.1 m. So the torque is T =
(2 kg - 3 kg) x 9.8 m/s^2 x 0.1 m = -0.98 Nm.
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 7
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BRIDGE PHYSICS
UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGÓD UPOU
Example 8: A diver with a mass of 60 kg jumps off a 5 m high diving board with an initial velocity of 0.
What is the diver's angular momentum when he reaches the water?
Solution: The angular momentum of the diver is given by the formula L = Iω, where L is the angular
momentum, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity. Since the diver starts with an initial
velocity of 0 and no initial angular momentum, we can assume that the angular velocity at the surface of
the water is also 0. The moment of inertia of the diver can be approximated as that of a cylinder with a
radius of 0.3 m and a height of 1.8 m, which is I = (1/2)mr^2 + (1/12)ml^2 = 4.83 kgm^2. So the angular
momentum is L = 0 x 4.83 = 0 kgm^2/s.
From these examples, we can learn several key concepts related to torque and angular momentum in
physics, including:
Torque is the measure of a force's ability to cause rotation around an axis, and it is calculated by
multiplying the force by the distance from the axis of rotation.
Angular velocity is the rate of change of an object's angle over time, and it is measured in radians per
second.
The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion, and it depends on the
object's mass distribution and shape.
The conservation of angular momentum states that in the absence of external torques, the total angular
momentum of a system remains constant.
These concepts are essential for understanding how objects move and interact in rotational systems,
such as rotating wheels, pulleys, and diving boards.
References
Walker, Halliday and Resnick (2014). Fundamental of Physics, 10th Ed.
(Extended), John Wiley & Sons, USA.
Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics: Principles with Applications 7th Edition
Nolan, Peter J. Fundamentals of College Physics
Tipler, Paul A. Physics for Scientists and Engineers 6th Edition
Young, Hugh D & Freedman, Roger A. University Physics 15th Edition
Serway, Raymond A & Jewett Jr., John W. Physics for Scientists and
Engineers with Modern Physics 9th Edition
This Bridge Physics module is originally written by Dr. Phoebe Nicole G. Perez and revised by Dr. Giovanni M. Malapit. 8