Physics I

Class 14

Rotational Motion

Rotational Variables
Previously we used terms like
clockwise, and positive
angle to describe rotation
about a fixed point.
We wanted a description that
doesnt depend on our choice
of coordinate system or
perspective, so we used
vectors.

Angular Displacement and

Angular Velocity
Use your right hand.
Curl your fingers in the direction
of rotation.
Thumb points
in the direction of

increasing and angular

velocity .
Mathematically this is a cross
product of two vectors,

v r

Definitions

Angular Position:
Angular Displacement:

(always in radians)

0 (You pick 0 for each problem.)

Angular velocity:

d
lim

dt
t 0 t

(Previously we only considered cases with constant .)

Angular acceleration:

d d

dt dt 2
t 0 t

lim

Equations for Constant

For this special case signs take care of directions, just as
in linear motion.
1.

0 t t0

2.

0 0 (t t0 ) (t t0 )2

3.

0 (0 )(t t0 )

4.

0 (t t0 ) (t t0 )2

5.

2 02 2 0

1
2

1
2

1
2

All physics equations are written for in radians, but sometimes

you will need to convert numerical values to/from degrees or
revolutions.

Linear and Angular Variables

s r
v r
| atangential | r

v2 2 r 2
| aradial || acentripetal |

2 r
r
r
Non-zero velocity and angular velocity give non-zero
radial acceleration. You knew this already!
Non-zero angular acceleration gives non-zero
tangential acceleration. This is new!

Energy in Rotation
For a rigid object rotating
about an axis, each particle (atom) has the
same angular velocity, , but not the same linear velocity.

K mi vi 2 mi 2 ri 2 2 mi ri 2
1
2

1
2

1
2

The summation at the end can be done once for each system. It is
called the rotational inertia (or moment of inertia).

I mi ri 2
This gives rotational kinetic energy as,
1
2

K I 2

Similarity Between
Linear and Rotational Variables
x
v
a
mI
F
1

This similarity allows you to solve

many rotation problems using the same
techniques you previously learned.

K I 2
2

(more about torque later)

I

Take-Away Concepts
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Definitions of rotational quantities: , , .

Centripetal and tangential acceleration.
Rotational inertia: I
mi ri 2
1
2
Rotational kinetic energy: K I
2

Introduction to torque: I
Similar variables:

x
mI

v
F

Problems of the Day

1.

Lance Armstrong is riding his bicycle due east in the

Tour de France bicycle race. What is the direction of the
angular velocity of his bicycle wheels?
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)

North.
South.
East.
West.
Up.
Down.

Problems of the Day

2. A carousel takes 8 seconds to make one revolution when turning at full speed.
It takes exactly one revolution to reach its full speed from rest. What is the
magnitude of its angular acceleration while speeding up, assuming that the
angular acceleration is constant?