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Learning Objectives
- Explain the rotational equivalent of Newton’s 2nd law in component form: the relation between net torque on an object, its moment of inertia and its angular acceleration.
- Be able to explain that there are two possible models for describing rotational motion: conservation of energy and Newton’s 2nd law (τ = Iα), but only the latter model can be used to determine information about the object’s motion as a function of time.
- Be able to apply and solve rotational equations to objects whose motion does not involve center-of-mass acceleration, such as a disk rotating about an axis through its center.
Preparation
Course Notes
Notes: Two-Dimensional Rotational Dynamics (PDF - 4.1MB)
Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)
Chapter 10.1-10.2, 10.4. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.
Lecture Video
Video Excerpts
Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:
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Learning Activities
Guided Activities
Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.
Slides: Two-Dimensional Rotational Dynamics (PDF - 3.3MB)
Self-Assessment
Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.
Concept Questions
Concept Questions (PDF)
Solutions (PDF)
Challenge Problems
Challenge Problems (PDF)
Solutions (PDF - 2.1MB)
Problem Solving Help
In the following videos Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.
Help Session 1
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/two-dimensional-rotational-motion/two-dimensional-rotational-dynamics/help-session-1/Ip83FGkiGRk.srt'}
Help Session 2
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/two-dimensional-rotational-motion/two-dimensional-rotational-dynamics/help-session-2/l-f7wkkL20k.srt'}
Help Session 3
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/two-dimensional-rotational-motion/two-dimensional-rotational-dynamics/help-session-3/BCMlz83W_5w.srt'}
Help Session 4
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/two-dimensional-rotational-motion/two-dimensional-rotational-dynamics/help-session-4/KMRb1VF65f0.srt'}
Help Session 5
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/two-dimensional-rotational-motion/two-dimensional-rotational-dynamics/help-session-5/yR3iWFus9qA.srt'}
Related Resources
There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try this:
- Try out the Torque interactive simulation from PhET.
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