Rotational Mechanics

Introduction

One of the physics topics that give most students the most trouble and grief is rotational mechanics. We’ve spent the past couple of months studying and applying a variety of different terms and equations involving linear mechanics. Now we are going to look at a whole new group of terms and equations and are going to get through it in a matter of weeks. Stop hyperventilating and relax. It’s not as difficult as it seems and in all actuality it is simply a review of linear motion with a few adjustments.

Activity

The goal of this activity is to examine the terms and equations involved with rotational mechanics and compare them to the terms and equations involved with linear mechanics. What we want to accomplish is to see the connection between the two sets of terms and equations. Clicking on the following three pictures will link you to information on the terms and equations involved with every aspect of rotational mechanics.

Kinetics Dynamics Momentum

Post Reading Assignment

Now that you have been exposed to the terms and equations involved with rotational mechanics, it is important to visually make the connection between rotational mechanics and linear mechanics. Your assignment is to make a chart which will show the relationship between the two types of mechanics. Set the chart up anyway you like, but make sure that all the information is available on the chart, including all the terms involved in each and the major equations of each.