All Flashcards
Define torque.
The rotational equivalent of force; what causes an object to start rotating or change its rotation.
Define rotational inertia.
A measure of how much an object resists changes in its rotational motion.
What is angular acceleration?
The rate of change of angular velocity.
Define Newton's Second Law for Rotation.
The net torque on an object is equal to the product of its rotational inertia and angular acceleration: .
What is tangential speed?
The linear speed of a point on a rotating object, related to angular speed by .
What is tangential acceleration?
The linear acceleration of a point on a rotating object, related to angular acceleration by .
What is the effect of increasing the distance of mass from the axis of rotation?
Increases rotational inertia.
What is the effect of applying a net torque to an object?
Causes angular acceleration.
What happens when a figure skater pulls their arms inward during a spin?
Their rotational inertia decreases, and their angular speed increases.
What is the effect of increasing rotational inertia on angular acceleration, given a constant torque?
Decreases angular acceleration.
What happens when an object rolls without slipping?
The linear speed of its center of mass is related to its angular speed by .
What is the effect of applying a net torque to an object?
The object experiences angular acceleration.
What happens if the net torque acting on an object is zero?
The object's angular velocity remains constant (no angular acceleration).
What happens if you double the net torque applied to a rigid system?
The angular acceleration of the system doubles.
What is the effect of doubling the rotational inertia of a rigid system, given a constant net torque?
The angular acceleration of the system is halved.
What happens when a force is applied farther from the hinge of a door?
The torque applied to the door increases, resulting in a greater angular acceleration.