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  1. Physics C: Mechanics (2025)
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What are the key differences between linear momentum and angular momentum?
Linear Momentum: Associated with translational motion, $\vec{p} = m\vec{v}$. Angular Momentum: Associated with rotational motion, $\vec{L} = I\vec{\omega}$ or $\vec{L} = \vec{r} \times \vec{p}$.
Compare and contrast linear impulse and angular impulse.
Linear Impulse: Change in linear momentum, $\vec{J} = \int \vec{F} dt = \Delta \vec{p}$. Angular Impulse: Change in angular momentum, $\int \vec{\tau} dt = \Delta \vec{L}$. Both are vector quantities.
Differentiate between torque and force.
Force: A push or pull that causes linear acceleration. Torque: A twisting force that causes angular acceleration.
Compare and contrast moment of inertia and mass.
Mass: Measure of an object's resistance to linear acceleration. Moment of Inertia: Measure of an object's resistance to angular acceleration; depends on mass distribution.
Compare rotational kinetic energy and translational kinetic energy.
Rotational Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy due to rotational motion, $KE_{rot} = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2$. Translational Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy due to translational motion, $KE_{trans} = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.
What is the effect of applying an external torque to a rotating object?
It changes the object's angular momentum.
What happens when a figure skater pulls their arms in?
Their moment of inertia decreases, and their angular speed increases, conserving angular momentum.
What is the effect of no net external torque on a system?
The total angular momentum of the system is conserved.
What happens to angular speed if the moment of inertia decreases in a closed system?
The angular speed increases to conserve total angular momentum.
What is the effect of angular impulse on an object?
It changes the object's angular momentum.
What is angular momentum?
The rotational equivalent of linear momentum. It's conserved in a closed system unless acted upon by an external torque.
What is the conservation of angular momentum?
The total angular momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external torque acts on it.
Define external torque.
A torque applied from outside the system that can change the system's total angular momentum.
What is angular impulse?
The product of the net torque and the time interval over which it acts. Units are $\text{kg} \cdot \text{m}^2/\text{s}$.
Define moment of inertia.
A measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. Analogous to mass in linear motion.