Option B.1 - Rotational Dynamics

Option B: Engineering Physics
B.1 Rotational Dynamics

Option B: Engineering physics
B.1 – Rigid bodies and rotational dynamics
Essential idea: The basic laws of mechanics have an
extension when equivalent principles are applied to
rotation. Actual objects have dimensions and they
require the expansion of the point particle model to
consider the possibility of different points on an
object having different states of motion and/or
different velocities.
Nature of science: Modelling: The use of models has
different purposes and has allowed scientists to
identify, simplify and analyze a problem within a
given context to tackle it successfully. The
extension of the point particle model to actually
consider the dimensions of an object led to many
groundbreaking developments in engineering.
Understandings:
• Torque
• Moment of inertia
• Rotational and translational equilibrium
• Angular acceleration
• Equations of rotational motion for uniform angular
acceleration
• Newton’s second law applied to angular motion
• Conservation of angular momentum
Applications and skills:
• Calculating torque for single forces and couples
• Solving problems involving moment of inertia, torque
and angular acceleration
• Solving problems in which objects are in both
rotational and translational equilibrium
• Solving problems using rotational quantities analogous
to linear quantities
• Sketching and interpreting graphs of rotational motion
• Solving problems involving rolling without slipping
Guidance:
• Analysis will be limited to basic geometric shapes
• The equation for the moment of inertia of a specific
shape will be provided when necessary
• Graphs will be limited to angular displacement–time,
angular velocity–time and torque–time
Data booklet reference:
•  = Fr sin 
• I =  mr 2
•  = I
•  = 2f
• f = i +  t
• f 2 = i2 + 2 
•  = it + (1/2) t 2
• L = I
• EK rot = (1/2) I2
Theory of knowledge:
• Models are always valid within a context and they are
modified, expanded or replaced when that context
is altered or considered differently. Are there
examples of unchanging models in the natural
sciences or in any other areas of knowledge?
Utilization:
• Structural design and civil engineering relies on the
knowledge of how objects can move in all
situations
Aims:
• Aim 7: technology has allowed for computer
simulations that accurately model the complicated
outcome of actions on bodies
Linear to Rotational Analog
So a sphere, hoop and disk of equal mass are rolled down an
inclined plane in a race to see which will finish first
The sphere wins.

The disk is in second
and the hoop last. Why?
Hoop has greatest rotational inertia. More on this later....
Torque
A torque  is just a force that can cause a rotation
about a pivot point.
Consider a door as viewed from above:
WALL r WALL
r1 r2 θθ1 2 θ3
F0 F1 F2
The location of the force and its size will determine the
ease with which the door opens.
The torque is proportional to both the force F and the
moment arm r. Thus  = Fr.
But we note that the angle  between F and r also
plays a role. The closer to 90 the angle is, the more
efficiently the door is opened (or closed).
Torque
In fact, the following equation describes the torque
completely.
 = Fr sin  definition
where  is the angle between F and r of torque
Torque is a vector since it has a direction. For now we
can say clockwise (cw) or counterclockwise (ccw).
The r is just the distance that the force is from the pivot
point.
FYI
Note that torque has the units of a force (N) times a
distance (m) and is thus measured in Nm.
Recall the work was also measured in Nm, which we
called Joules (J). Never express torque as a Joule.
Torque
EXAMPLE: Suppose we apply a force of 80. N to a door
at a distance of 25 cm from the hinge, and at an angle
of 30° with respect to r. Find the torque.
SOLUTION:
Use  = Fr sin . Then
 = Fr sin 
= (80. N)(0.25 m) sin 30
= 10. Nm.
Never write the units for torque as J. Torque is not an
energy quantity.
F
Moment arm (lever arm)
F F
Consider a disk that is free to
rotate about its center. B
The application of the C A
F
identical forces to the disk’s r
r r
edge at points A, B, C, and D,
r
or

will produce very different
rm a rm
outcomes: D li 
le om 
ne
r a nt
m in
ve e
of
rs
We define the moment arm ac
or the lever arm as that component tio
n
of r that is perpendicular to F.
It turns out that that component is just r sin  and that
the force F times the lever arm r sin  is the torque.
 = force  moment arm definition of torque (alt.)
Translational and rotational equilibrium
Recall that translational equilibrium was the state of
a system in which the sum of the forces was zero:
F = 0 condition for translational equilibrium
Now we have an analogous condition for rotational
equilibrium – the state of a system in which the sum of
the torques is zero:
 = 0 condition for rotational equilibrium
FYI
Note that the condition for translation equilibrium
DOES NOT imply that the system is not translating. As
long as it is not accelerating F = 0 is still true.
Similarly, the condition for rotational equilibrium  = 0
DOES NOT imply that the system is not rotating.
Suppose a uniform beam of mass m and length L is
placed on two scales, as shown.
It is expected that each scale will read the same,

namely half the weight of the beam.
Now we place a block of mass M on the beam, closer
to the left-hand scale.
M
x
It is expected that the left scale will read higher than
the right one, because the block is closer to it.
To analyze an extended system we use what we will
call an extended free-body diagram. Suppose M, m
and L are known.
x L/2
mg
N1 Mg N2
Find N1 and N2 in terms of x, L, m, M and g.
From our balance of forces we have F = 0:
N1 + N2 – Mg – mg = 0
FYI
We have one equation with two unknown normal
forces.
We will use  = 0 for our second equation.
In order to use our balance of torques we need to
choose a pivot point. If a system is in static equilibrium
you can use ANY point! I have chosen N1’s location.
+ x L/2
mg
N1 Mg N2
For bookkeeping purposes choose a torque direction.
Note that Mg and mg want to rotate (+), and N2 (–).
From our balance of torques we have  = 0:
N1  0 + Mg  x + mg  L / 2 – N2  L = 0
FYI
Choosing the pivot (fulcrum) at the point of a force
removes that force from the torque equation! Why?
We now resolve our system of equations:
N1 + N2 – Mg – mg = 0
N1  0 + Mg  x + mg  L / 2 – N2  L = 0
Our second equation gives us N2:
N2 = ( Mx / L + m / 2)g.
Our first equation gives us
N1 = (M + m)g – N2.
PRACTICE: If the 2.75-m long wood plank has a mass
of 45 kg, the box has a mass of 85 kg, and x = 0.50 m,
what do the two scales read?
SOLUTION: N2 = (850.50 / 2.75 + 45 / 2)10 = 380 kg.
N1 = (85 + 45)10 – 380 = 920 kg.
The last example had all right angles. Since
sin 90  = 1, the angles
were not needed.
Now consider a boom crane
whose components must be
strong enough to withstand
any force a client might apply.
We need to know the required
tensions in the cables.
We need to know the strength
of the pin.
T M
Here are the variables:
And an extended FBD is θ
the way to go: mg
Let x be the distance FH
m
mg is from the pin. Mg
Note that the weight of
FV T
the boom itself acts as if
xθ
all of its mass is located L/2
mg
at its center, which is a
distance of L / 2 fromFthe
H
pin. Mg
In general M, m, L, and 
FV
will be known.
Translational and rotational equilibrium T
Suppose M = 400. kg, m = 200. kg, 30
15
L = 20.0 m, x = 15.0 m, and  = 30. 10
60
Then our diagram reduces to: FH
x
60 2000
Note that the angles between
the black forces and the boom are 60.
4000
From F = 0 we see that FV = 6000 N.
We also see that FH = T.
FV
For the torques, lets choose the location
of the two pin forces as our pivot, cw = (+):
From  = 0 we see that
400010 sin 60 + 2000 15 sin 60 – T sin 30 = 0
T = 121000 N = FH.
A 40.0 kg diver is at the end of a 6.0 m
long diving board (60.0 kg). The board
is bolted down and supported by a
fulcrum 2.0 m from the bolt. Find the
forces exerted by the bolt and fulcrum.
A weightlifter holds a dumbbell of weight W
horizontally. The arm weight is 31.0 N. The
deltoid muscle contracts and exerts a force at a
13° with respect to the arm. If the maximum
force the muscle can supply is 1840 N, what is
the largest dumbbell that can be supported?
13°
Option B: Engineering
physics
B.1 – Rigid bodies and
rotational dynamics
physics
rotational dynamics
physics
rotational dynamics
physics
rotational dynamics
You are sitting in a car in space experiencing no

gravitation. You step on the gas and the rear
wheels spin clockwise. The body of the car will:
a) Remain motionless
b) Rotate clockwise
c) Rotate counterclockwise
d) Translate forward.
Three forces act on thin metal sheets. Identify the

arrangement that results in
1. Translational acceleration only

2. Rotational acceleration only
3. Translational and rotational equilibrium
Three massless rods rotate

on a pivot at the left end of
each rod.
Rank the arrange in order of

decreasing rotational
acceleration
Translational and rotational equilibrium – stability
Consider the following three scenarios:
Two bowls and one flat surface.
A marble is carefully placed on each surface so that it
remains at rest: All marbles are in static equilibrium.
Each ball is displaced a small amount.
The three different types of equilibrium are illustrated.
STABLE NEUTRAL UNSTABLE
EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM EQUILIBRIUM
FYI
Note that the stable equilibrium has a restoring force.
Extended bodies
Up to this point we have talked about
moving particles, and moving bodies
comprised of many particles (atoms)
moving as a group without rotation. Albert the physics cat
In this topic we will discuss the characteristics of a set
of particles, moving as a group with rotation.
In order to make our analysis easier, we will review the
idea of the center of mass (cm) - the “balance point” of
an extended body, or set of particles.
To illustrate cm, consider Albert the physics cat who
has been thrown as shown:
Extended bodies
Suppose we place a blue dot on Albert’s cm (his
balance point) and a red dot Albert’s tail and we give
him another toss:
Note that Albert’s cm follows a perfect parabolic
trajectory, whereas his tail does not.
Furthermore, every point on Albert will have a different
equation of motion.
Add to this yet another level of complexity: Albert can
change his shape!
Looks to me like we are entering a whole new world of
hurt…
Extended bodies
We call Albert a non-rigid extended body
because he can change his shape.
A wrench, on the other hand, is a rigid
extended body, because its shape does
not change.
A wrench can be translated (moved without rotation)
…
Note that every point in the wrench has the same

velocity (this includes speed and direction).
This is why in the past we could treat an extended
mass in translation as a single particle.
Extended bodies
A wrench can be rotated without translation.
Note that every point in the wrench has a
different velocity (speed and direction).
We have already studied this sort of
circular motion in Topic 6.
And if we rotate and translate a body, we get this:
Just as we studied pure translational dynamics in

the core, we will now study pure rotational dynamics.
Rotational inertia I (moment of inertia)
Consider a bowling ball on a table top:
Stationary Spinning in place

EK = 0. (perhaps on ice)
EK ≠ 0.
TOP VIEW
Neither ball is rolling, so both have a translational
kinetic energy equal to zero.
The second ball has only rotational kinetic energy.
Even though the center of
mass of the spinning bowling
ball is not moving, each
particle in the ball not in the
center has a tangential
velocity and thus has kinetic
energy.
In translation every mass
particle has the same velocity.
Not so in rotation. Each mass has a velocity that is
proportional to its radius from the axis of rotation.
In fact, if you recall that for
circular motion v = r , we see
that for each particle in a
rotating extended mass
EK = (1/2)mv 2
= (1/2)m(r )2
= (1/2) (mr 2) 2.
Given that the  is the same
for all particles in a rigid extended
body, clearly the total kinetic energy is given
by  EK = (1/2) I 2 with I = mr 2. moment of
where I is the rotational inertia inertia I
• Why does I = kmr2?

Where does that come
from?
• Consider toy plane on
a string of radius r
moving in a circle.
• The plane motor
produces a thrust
tangent to the circle, FT
• The torque produced by FT is:
• 𝛕 = FT • r = maT • r (aT is tangential accel.)
• = m (r𝜶) • r (aT = r 𝜶)
• = 𝜶 • mr2
• Since 𝛕 = I 𝜶  I = mr2
• That is fine for the mass on string, but

what about other shapes and other
• Consider irregular thin sheet of
material rotating about an axis
as shown. Each Each point
mass within acts like the
airplane with varying mass and
radius. The total torque is the
sum of all the individual
torques
• Σ𝛕 = mnrn2= m1r12 + m2r22 +…mnrn2
• Σ𝛕 = (mr2) 𝜶
• That means I = Σ (mr2)
• When we have a regular shape, mass and

radius can be expressed as a function and
the Σ function becomes an integral
summing over incremental changes in
torque.
• e.g.’s. See Michael Van Biezen
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG51UfgOG08
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Blz_ExtGcg&list=PL
X2gX-ftPVXXtGQTzgfmKiP0dyHbzxI-k&index=10
It turns out that the rotational inertia I has the same
function in rotation as the translational inertia m has in
translational motion. Later we will see that all the
translational kinematic and dynamic equations can be
directly translated into their rotational counterparts by
simple substitutions – one of which will be I  m!
PRACTICE: Find the moment of inertia of the
dumbbell about its center. Each end has a
mass of 15.0 kg. Assume the 30.0-cm
handle is massless.
SOLUTION:
Each mass is 0.15 m from the center of rotation. Thus
I = mr 2 = 15(0.15)2 + 15(0.15)2 = 0.675 kg m2.
PRACTICE: If the mass of the previous example rotates
once in 2.0 seconds, what is its rotational kinetic
energy?
SOLUTION:
Use the I we just calculated and EK = (1/2) I 2.
 =  / t = 2 rad / 2 s = 3.14 rad s-1.
I = 0.675 kg m2.
Thus
EK = (1/2) I 2
= (1/2)0.6753.142
= 3.3 J.
FYI
You can verify that the unit is indeed J.
PRACTICE: If the mass of the previous example not
only rotates once in 2.0 seconds, but translates at 0.25
ms-1 to the left, what is its total kinetic energy?
SOLUTION:
We just calculated that EK,rot = (1/2) I 2 = 3.3 J.
The translational kinetic energy is the usual
EK,trans = (1/2)mv2
= (1/2)(15 + 15)0.252
= 0.94 J.
The total kinetic energy is just the sum:
 EK,tot = EK,rot + EK,trans Total EK
Then EK,tot = 3.3 + 0.94 = 4.2 J.
PRACTICE: Find the moment
of inertia of the dumbbell about
one of its ends. Each end has
a mass of 15.0 kg. Assume the
30.0-cm handle is massless.
SOLUTION:
One mass is 0.00 m from the center of rotation. The
other mass is 0.30 m from the center of rotation. Thus
I = mr 2 = 15(0.00)2 + 15(0.30)2 = 1.35 kg m2.
FYI
Note that the moment of inertia depends not only on
the mass distribution (hence the geometry) but also on
the axis of rotation. Be wary!
Rotational inertia I (moment of inertia) - samples
of inertia of a 7.27-kg bowling ball
about its center of mass. A
regulation bowling ball has a
diameter of 22 cm. If it revolves
twice each second, what is its
rotational kinetic energy?
SOLUTION:
Use the rotational inertia formula for a solid sphere.
I = (2/5)MR2 = (2/5)7.270.112
= 0.035 kg m2.
EK = (1/2)I2 = (1/2)0.035(2 / 0.5)2
= 2.8 J
Rotational inertia I (moment of inertia) - samples
of inertia of a 125-gram meter
stick about its end.
SOLUTION:
Use the rotational inertia formula for a thin rod about its
end.
I = (1/3)ML2 = (1/3)0.1251.002
= 0.042 kg m2.
FYI
Note that the moment of inertia about the end of the
ruler is more than that about its center. Why?
Because the mass making up the ruler is, on average,
farther from the pivot point in the former case.
Rotational inertia I – the parallel axis theorem
Suppose instead of rotating the ruler about its end (for
which we have a formula) or its center (for which we
also have a formula), we wish to rotate it about a point
one-quarter of a meter from the end (for which we don’t
have a formula.
Instead of having an infinite number of formulae for
each extended mass shape, we have the parallel axis
theorem, presented without proof here:
 IP = ICM + Md 2 parallel axis theorem
FYI
To use the PAT you need two things:
(1) ICM,
(2) the distance d that the new parallel axis is from
the CM axis.
Rotational inertia I – the parallel axis theorem
 IP = ICM + Md 2 parallel axis theorem
PRACTICE: Find the moment of
inertia of a rod about its end if it
has a solid sphere on the other end.
SOLUTION:
Start with the formula for a thin rod about its end:
IROD = (1/3)ML2 = (1/3)128.02 = 256 kg m2.
For the solid sphere
ICM = (2/5)MR2 = (2/5)151.02 = 6.0 kg m2.
Using the PAT for the sphere, where d = 9.0 m:
IP = ICM + Md 2 = 6.0 + 159.02 = 1221 kg m2.
Finally, ITOT = IROD + IP = 256 + 1221 = 1500 kg m2.
Linear and angular displacement and velocity
Recall from Topic 6 that arc length is given by the
following simple relationship:
s = r  where  is in radians linear and angular
displacement
Recall from Topic 2 that v = s / t and from Topic 6
that  =  / t. Then the following is true:
v = s / t definition of linear velocity
= (r ) / t substitution
= r  / t r constant during rigid body rotation
= r . definition of angular velocity
v = r  where  is in radians linear and angular
per second velocity
Angular velocity implies a direction. It is given by yet
another right hand rule:
Grasp the axis of rotation with the right hand, with your
fingers curled in the direction of rotation. Your extended
thumb points in the direction of.
PRACTICE: Find the angular
velocity of Earth.
SOLUTION:

 = 2 rad.
t = 24 h (3600 s h-1) = 86400 s.
From  =  / t we see that
 = 2 rad / 86400 s
= 7.2710-5 rad s-1.
This small angular speed is why
we can’t feel the earth spinning.
From the right hand rule for spin
we see that the angular velocity points north.
Linear and angular acceleration
Recall from Topic 2 that acceleration was defined as a
= v / t. In a similar manner we define angular
acceleration  as
  =  / t where  is in radians angular
per second squared acceleration
But since v = r  we can then write
a = v / t definition of linear acceleration
= (r ) / t substitution
= r  / t r constant during rigid body rotation
= r . definition of angular acceleration
at = r  where  is in radians linear and angular
per second squared acceleration
Centripetal and tangential acceleration
Recall from Topic 6 that centripetal acceleration ac
was a center-pointing acceleration given by
 ac = v 2/ r = r2 centripetal acceleration
The formula at = r  represents
at
the tangential acceleration.
The tangential and
ac a
centripetal accelerations
are mutually perpendicular.
The net acceleration is
the vector sum of ac and at.
Note that a2 = ac2 + at2.
Once the wheel reaches
Rotational kinematics
Recall the kinematic equations from Topic 2.1:
s = ut + (1/2)at 2 kinematic
v = u + at equations
v 2 = u 2 + 2as (translational)
And the following conversions :
s = r translational /
v = r rotational
a = r conversions
It is left as an exercise to prove the following:
f = it + (1/2)t 2 kinematic
f = i + t equations
f2 = i2 + 2 (rotational)
PRACTICE: Find the angular
acceleration of a bench grinder’s
cutting wheel if it reaches
2500 rpm in 3.5 s.
SOLUTION:
i = 0.
f = (2500 rev min-1)(2 rad rev-1)(1 min / 60 s)
= 261.8 rad s-1.
 =  / t = (262 – 0) / 3.5 = 75 rad s-2.
PRACTICE: Find the angle
through which the cutting wheel
rotates during its acceleration.
SOLUTION: You can use the
first or the last formula.
f = it + (1/2)t 2
f = 03.5 + (1/2)75 3.52
f = 460 rad.
PRACTICE: Find the tangential
acceleration of the edge of the
5.0-cm radius cutting wheel
during and after acceleration.
SOLUTION: at = r.
During acceleration  = 75:
at = r  = 0.05075 = 3.8 m s-2.
After acceleration  = 0:
at = r  = 0.0500 = 0.0 m s-2.
at
Option B: Engineering physics ac a
PRACTICE: Find the net
acceleration of the edge of the
5.0-cm radius cutting wheel
at t = 0.08 s.
SOLUTION: at = r.
During acceleration at = 3.8 m s-2.
At t = 0.08 s, f = i + t = 0 + 76.90.08 = 6.2 rad s-1.
aC = r 2 = 0.0506.22 = 1.9 m s-2.
2 2 2 2 2 -2
Rotational dynamics
Recall the dynamic equations from Topic 2:
F = ma, W = Fs, Power = Fv dynamic
p = mv (linear momentum) equations
EK = (1/2)mv 2 (translational)
And the following conversions:
s, v, a, mI, F, pL conversions
Clearly the dynamic equations in terms of the rotational
variables become:
 = I, W =  , Power =   dynamic
L= I  (angular momentum) equations
EK = (1/2) I  2 (rotational)
Note the new symbol L representing angular
momentum. The units for L are kg m2 s-1.
Rotational dynamics α
EXAMPLE: Consider a disk-like pulley of m
mass m and radius R. A string is connected
to a block of mass M, and wrapped around R
the pulley. What is the acceleration of M T
the block as it falls?
SOLUTION: We can insert the forces into our
diagrams, important dimensions, and accelerations.
Clearly the acceleration of the pulley is angular : T
While the acceleration of the block is linear a:
Recall the relationships between then angular
and the linear variables: a = R or  = a / R. a
For the disk, I = (1/2)mR2 so that
Mg
 = I = Ia / R = (1/2)mR a / R = (1/2)mRa.
2
Rotational dynamics α
EXAMPLE: Consider a disk-like pulley of m
mass m and radius R. A string is connected
to a block of mass M, and wrapped around R
the pulley. What is the acceleration of T
the block as it falls?
SOLUTION:
But  = RT so that
RT = (1/2)mRa  T = (1/2)ma. T
For the falling mass:
T – Mg = -Ma. a M
Finally
(1/2)ma – Mg = -Ma Mg
a = Mg / [M + m / 2].
Rotational kinematics and dynamics
How am I going to remember all of this?!?
v = u + at
 f =  i + t s
s = ut + (1
/2 2
 =  t + (1 )at 2 v
i /2)t a
v 2 = u 2 + 2as mI
f2 = i2 + 2
F
F = ma
 = I 2
= ( 1/ 2) mv
EK I 2
EK = (1/ 2 )
An object at rest begins to rotate with a constant a) ½ q
angular acceleration. If this object rotates through b) ¼ q
an angle q in the time t, through what angle did it
c)
rotate in the time ½ t? ¾q
d) 2 q
The angular displacement is q = ½ at 2 (starting from rest), and there

is a quadratic dependence on time. Therefore, in half the time, the
object has rotated through one-quarter the angle.
An object at rest begins to rotate with a constant a) ½ w

angular acceleration. If this object has angular
b) ¼ w
velocity w at time t, what was its angular velocity at
the time 1/2 t? c) 2 w
d) 4 w
The angular velocity ω = 𝝰 t (starting from rest), and
there is a quadratic dependence on time. Therefore, in
half the time, the object has rotated through one-quarter
Conservation of angular momentum
Extending linear momentum p = mv to angular
momentum L = I, we may well ask if angular
momentum, like linear momentum, is also conserved.
The answer is Yes.
How does the skater
change her I with the
repositioning of her body?
Why does  as r?
Just as p is conserved
in the absence of a net
external force, so is L in
the absence of a net
external torque.
PRACTICE: Explain what
is happening in this video.
SOLUTION:
An external torque (the
instructor’s hands)
increases the angular
momentum of the wheel.
Another external torque
(the instructor, again)
reorients the direction of the angular momentum.
Upon release the angular momentum of the wheel
keeps it oriented in its counterintuitive way!
PRACTICE: Explain what
is happening in this video.
SOLUTION:
The student is on a
frictionless stand and is
free to rotate. The wheel
begins by rotating with
a horizontal L.
As the student exerts an
internal torque to the wheel, reorienting its L vertically,
the student’s vertical L changes in such a way as to
keep the total L constant.
She rotates opposite to the wheel!
PRACTICE: Use conservation of angular momentum to
predict the angular speed of Earth if it became a black
hole. Assume the earth is a solid homogenous sphere.
M = 5.981024 kg and R = 6.37 106 m.
SOLUTION: Use I = (2/5)MR 2, L = I, and Li = Lf:
Ii = (2/5)5.981024(6.37106)2 = 9.711037 kg m2.
Rs = 2GM / c2
= 26.6710-115.981024 / (3.00108)2 = 0.00886 m.
If = (2/5)5.981024(0.00886)2 = 1.881020 kg m2.
Lf = Li  If f = Ii i 
f = (Ii / If) i
= [(9.711037)/(1.881020)](2/ 243600)
• If the Earth were to magically expand,

doubling its radius while keeping its mass the
same, would the length of the day increase,
decrease, or stay the same? EXPLAIN your
reasoning.
• A 0.0150 kg record with a radius of 15.0 cm

rotates with an angular speed of 3.49 rad·s-1.
• What is the angular momentum of the
record?
• For a classroom demonstration, Alec sits on a

rotating stool and holds weights in each hand.
Initially he holds his arms outstretched (I=5.33
kg·m2) and spins on the stool with an angular
speed of 3.74 rad ·s-1. While spinning, he pulls his
arms in to his chest, reducing the moment of inertia
to 1.60 kg·m2.
– What is his new angular speed?
– What moment of inertia would be required to give a final
angular speed of 10.0 rad·s-1 ?
• A star of radius R=2.30 x 108 m rotates with

an angular speed of 2.40 x 10-6 rad·s-1.
• If this star then collapses down to a radius of
20.0 km, what is its final angular speed?
Assume the star is a uniform sphere
(
• At what radius will the star have a period of
rotation equal to 15.0 ms?
Rolling motion
A special subset of dynamics is called rolling motion,
where by “rolling” we mean “rolling without slipping.”
A rolling wheel is shown here: vt
s
vCM
If the wheel’s cm has traveled a distance s, so has a

point on its circumference (it is not slipping).
The speed of the wheel is given by vCM = s / t.
The speed of a point on the circumference, the
tangential speed, is also given by v = s / t.
Rolling motion
A special subset of dynamics is called rolling motion,
where by “rolling” we mean “rolling without slipping.”
A rolling wheel is shown here: vt
s
vCM
Since vt = R = vCM, we can write:

 vCM = R condition for rolling motion
FYI
This only holds for rolling without slipping.
Rolling motion
v = vCM v = R v = 2R
v = vCM v=0 v = R
v = vCM v = R v=0
TRANSLATIONAL ROTATIONAL ROLLING

MOTION MOTION MOTION
Consider the following three scenarios:
In pure translation, all points move at vCM.
In pure rotation, all points move at v = r. Note the
velocities of top and bottom (r = R), in particular.
Rolling motion
EXAMPLE: A 13-cm radius hoop is rolling without
slipping at a speed of 25 ms-1. What are the linear
speeds of the top of the wheel, the middle of the wheel,
and the bottom of the wheel? If the hoop fails because
of centripetal accelerations, where will it be most likely
to fail first?
SOLUTION:
The top is traveling at 2vCM = 50 ms-1.
The middle is traveling at vCM = 25 ms-1.
The bottom is traveling at 0 ms-1.
Because aC = v2 / r, clearly it will fail at
the top first. In fact, at the top,
aC = v2 / r = 502 / 0.26 = 9600 ms-2 = 960 G!
Rolling motion
EXAMPLE: A solid sphere having a mass of 0.125 kg
and a radius of 1.5 cm rolls without slipping down a 30
ramp having a length of 1.00 m. What is its speed when
it reaches the bottom? How does this compare to its
speed if the ramp were frictionless?
SOLUTION: The change in potential energy must be
shared between KROT and KTRAN, thus the answer to the
second question is “slower.”
ISPH = (2/5)mR2 = (2/5)0.1250.0152 = 1.12510-5.
KTRAN + KROT = mgh = 0.125101.00 sin 30 = 0.625 J
(1/2)mvCM2 + (1/2)I2 = (1/2)mvCM2 + (1/2)I(vCM/R)2
= (1/2)0.125 vCM2 + (1/2)1.12510-5vCM2/ 0.0152
= 0.0875v 2 = 0.625  v = 2.7 ms-1.

Option B.1 - Rotational Dynamics

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Option B: Engineering Physics

B.1 Rotational Dynamics

The sphere wins.

It is expected that each scale will read the same,

You are sitting in a car in space experiencing no

Three forces act on thin metal sheets. Identify the

1. Translational acceleration only

Three massless rods rotate

Rank the arrange in order of

Note that every point in the wrench has the same

Just as we studied pure translational dynamics in

Stationary Spinning in place

• Why does I = kmr2?

• That is fine for the mass on string, but

• When we have a regular shape, mass and

The angular displacement is q = ½ at 2 (starting from rest), and there

An object at rest begins to rotate with a constant a) ½ w

• If the Earth were to magically expand,

• A 0.0150 kg record with a radius of 15.0 cm

• For a classroom demonstration, Alec sits on a

• A star of radius R=2.30 x 108 m rotates with

If the wheel’s cm has traveled a distance s, so has a

Since vt = R = vCM, we can write:

TRANSLATIONAL ROTATIONAL ROLLING

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