Rotational Motion – Angular Velocity, Acceleration & Energy Explained | Chapter 9 of University Physics
Rotational Motion – Angular Velocity, Acceleration & Energy Explained | Chapter 9 of University Physics Chapter 9 of University Physics extends linear kinematics and dynamics into rotational systems for rigid bodies. You’ll learn how to describe angular position, velocity, and acceleration; link rotation to linear motion; compute moments of inertia; and apply energy methods to rotating systems. Rotational Kinematics Analogous to linear motion, rotational kinematics uses angular variables: Angular displacement: Δθ = θ₂ – θ₁ Average angular velocity: ω avg = Δθ / Δt Instantaneous angular velocity: ω = dθ/dt Angular acceleration: α = dω/dt = d²θ/dt² Angular velocity is a vector aligned with the rotation axis (by the right-hand rule), while angular speed is its magnitude. Constant Angular Acceleration For constant α, the rotational analogs of linear equations are: ω = ω₀ + α t θ = θ₀ + ω₀ t + ½ α t² ω² = ω₀² + 2 α (θ – θ₀) Linking Rotation to...