Principles and Problems: Chapter 8: Rotational Motion

PHYSICS
Principles and
Problems
Chapter 8: Rotational Motion

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
BIG IDEA
Applying a torque to an object causes a change in
that object’s angular velocity.
CHAPTER
8 Table Of Contents
Section 8.1 Describing Rotational Motion
Section 8.2 Rotational Dynamics
Section 8.3 Equilibrium
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SECTION8 Describing Rotational Motion
.1
MAIN IDEA
Angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular
acceleration all help describe angular motion.
Essential Questions
• What is angular displacement?
• What is average angular velocity?
• What is average angular acceleration, and how is it
related to angular velocity?
.1
Review Vocabulary
• displacement change in position having both
magnitude and direction; it is equal to the final position
minus the initial position.
New Vocabulary
• Radian
• Angular displacement
• Angular velocity
• Angular acceleration
.1
Angular Displacement
• A fraction of one revolution
can be measured in grads,
degrees, or radians.
• A grad is of a
revolution.
• A degree is of a revolution.
.1
Angular Displacement (cont.)
• The radian is defined as
of a revolution.
• One complete revolution is
equal to 2 radians. The
abbreviation of radian is
‘rad’.
.1

• The Greek letter theta, θ,
is used to represent the
angle of revolution.
• The counterclockwise
rotation is designated as
positive, while clockwise
is negative.
.1

• As an object rotates, the
change in the angle is
called angular
displacement.
• For rotation through an
angle, θ, a point at a
distance, r, from the center
moves a distance given by
d = rθ.
.1
Angular Velocity
• Velocity is displacement divided by the time taken
to make the displacement.
• The angular velocity of an object is angular
displacement divided by the time required to
make the displacement.
.1
Angular Velocity (cont.)

• The angular velocity of an object is given by:
• Here angular velocity is represented by the Greek

letter omega, ω.
• The angular velocity is equal to the angular
displacement divided by the time required to
make the rotation.
.1

• If the velocity changes over a time interval, the
average velocity is not equal to the instantaneous
velocity at any given instant.
• Similarly, the angular velocity calculated in this way is
actually the average angular velocity over a time
interval, t.
• Instantaneous angular velocity is equal to the slope
of a graph of angular position versus time.
.1

• Angular velocity is measured in rad/s.
• For Earth, ωE = (2π rad)/[(24.0 h)(3600 s/h)] =

7.27×10─5 rad/s.
.1

• In the same way that counterclockwise rotation produces
positive angular displacement, it also results in positive
angular velocity.
• If an object’s angular velocity is ω, then the linear velocity
of a point at distance, r, from the axis of rotation is given
by v = rω.
• The speed at which an object on Earth’s equator moves
as a result of Earth’s rotation is given by v = r ω =
(6.38×106 m) (7.27×10─5 rad/s) = 464 m/s.
.1

• Earth is an example of a rotating, rigid object.
Even though different points on Earth rotate
different distances in each revolution, all points
rotate through the same angle.
• The Sun, on the other hand, is not a rigid body.
Different parts of the Sun rotate at different rates.
.1
Angular Acceleration
• Angular acceleration is defined as the change
in angular velocity divided by the time required to
make that change.
• The angular acceleration, α, is represented by the

following equation:
.1
Angular Acceleration (cont.)

• Angular acceleration is measured in rad/s 2.
• If the change in angular velocity is positive, then
the angular acceleration is also positive.
• Angular acceleration defined in this way is also
the average angular acceleration over the time
interval Δt.
.1

• One way to find the instantaneous angular
acceleration is to find the slope of a graph of
angular velocity as a function of time.
• The linear acceleration of a point at a distance, r,
from the axis of an object with angular
acceleration, α, is given by a = r.
.1

A summary of linear and angular relationships.
.1

• A rotating object can make many revolutions in a
given amount of time.
• The number of complete revolutions made by the
object in 1 s is called angular frequency.
• Angular frequency, f, is given by the equation,
SECTION8 Section Check
.1
What is the angular velocity of the second

hand of a clock?
A.
B.
C.
D.
SECTION8
1 Section Check
.1
Answer
Reason: Angular velocity is equal to the angular
displacement divided by the time required
to complete one rotation.
.1
Answer
Reason: In one minute, the second hand of a
clock completes one rotation. Therefore,
 = 2π rad.
Therefore,
.1
When a machine is switched on, the angular velocity of
the motor increases by a total of 10 rad/s for the first 10
seconds before it starts rotating with full speed. What is
the angular acceleration of the machine in the first 10
seconds?
A.  rad/s2
B. 1 rad/s2
C. 100 rad/s2
D. 100 rad/s2
.1
Answer
Reason: Angular acceleration is equal to the
change in angular velocity divided by the
time required to make that change.
.1
When a fan performing 10 revolutions per second
is switched off, it comes to rest after 10 seconds.
Calculate the magnitude of the average angular
acceleration of the fan after it was switched off.
A. 1 rad/s2
B. 2 rad/s2
C.  rad/s2
D. 10 rad/s2
.1
Answer
Reason: Angular displacement of any rotating
object in one revolution is 2 rad.
Since the fan is performing 10 revolutions

per second, its angular velocity = 2  × 10
= 20 rad/s.
.1
Answer
Reason: Angular acceleration is equal to the
change in angular velocity divided by the
time required to make that change.
SECTION8 Rotational Dynamics
.2
MAIN IDEA
Torques cause changes in angular velocity.
Essential Questions
• What is torque?
• How is the moment of inertial related to rotational
motion?
• How are torque, the moment of inertia, and Newton’s
second law for rotational motion related?
.2
Review Vocabulary
• magnitude a measure of size
New Vocabulary
• Lever arm
• Torque
• Moment of inertia
• Newton’s second law for rotational motion
.2
Force and Angular Velocity

• The change in angular velocity depends on the
magnitude of the force, the distance from the axis to the
point where the force is exerted, and the direction of the
force.
.2
Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

• To swing open a door,
you exert a force.
• The doorknob is near
the outer edge of the
door. You exert the
force on the doorknob
at right angles to the
door, away from the
hinges.
.2
• To get the most effect

from the least force,
you exert the force as
far from the axis of
rotation (imaginary line
through the hinges) as
possible.
.2

• Thus, the magnitude
of the force, the
distance from the axis
to the point where the
force is exerted, and
the direction of the
force determine the
change in angular
velocity.
.2

• For a given applied
force, the change in
angular velocity
depends on the lever
arm, which is the
perpendicular distance
from the axis of
rotation to the point
where the force is
exerted.
.2

• For the door, it is the
distance from the hinges
to the point where you
exert the force.
• If the force is
perpendicular to the
radius of rotation then
the lever arm is the
distance from the axis, r.
.2

• If a force is not exerted
perpendicular to the radius,
however, the lever arm is
reduced.
.2

• The lever arm, L, can
be calculated by the
equation, L = r sin θ,
where θ is the angle
between the force and
the radius from the
axis of rotation to the
point where the force
is applied.
.2

• Torque is a measure of
how effectively a force
causes rotation.
• The magnitude of torque is
the product of the force and
the lever arm. Because
force is measured in
newtons, and distance is
measured in meters, torque
is measured in newton-
meters (N·m).
.2

• Torque is represented
by the Greek letter tau,
τ.
.2
Lever Arm
A bolt on a car engine needs to be tightened with
a torque of 35 N·m. You use a 25-cm long wrench
and pull on the end of the wrench at an angle of
60.0° to the handle of the wrench. How long is the
lever arm, and how much force do you have to
exert?
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Step 1: Analyze and Sketch the Problem
• Sketch the situation.

• Find the lever arm by
extending the force vector
backward until a line that is
perpendicular to it intersects
the axis of rotation.
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Identify the known and unknown variables.
Known: Unknown:
r = 0.25 m L=?
θ = 60.0º F=?
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Step 2: Solve for the Unknown
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Solve for the length of the lever arm.
L = r sin 
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Substitute r = 0.25 m, θ = 60.0º
L = (0.25 m)(sin 60.0°)
= 0.22 m
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Solve for the force.
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Substitute τ = 35 N·m, r = 0.25 m, θ = 60.0º
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)
Step 3: Evaluate the Answer

.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Are the units correct?
Force is measured in newtons.
Does the sign make sense?

Only the magnitude of the force needed to
rotate the wrench clockwise is calculated.
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

The steps covered were:
Sketch the situation.
Find the lever arm by extending the force
vector backward until a line that is
perpendicular to it intersects the axis of
rotation.
.2
Lever Arm (cont.)

Solve for the length of the lever arm.
Solve for the force.

.2
Finding Net Torque
Click image to view movie.

.2
The Moment of Inertia

• To observe how an extended object rotates when a
torque is exerted on it, use a pencil with coins taped
at the ends.
• Hold the pencil between your thumb and forefinger,
and wiggle it back and forth.
• The forces that your thumb and forefinger exert,
create torques that change the angular velocity of the
pencil and coins.
.2
The Moment of Inertia (cont.)

• Now move the coins so that they are only 1 or 2 cm
apart.
• Wiggle the pencil as before. The torque that was
required was much less this time.
• Thus, the amount of mass is not the only factor that
determines how much torque is needed to change
angular velocity; the location of that mass also is
relevant.
.2

• The resistance to
rotation is called the
moment of inertia,
which is represented by
the symbol I and has
units of mass times the
square of the distance.
.2

• For a point object located at a
distance, r, from the axis of
rotation, the moment of inertia
is given by the following
equation:
• The moment of inertia of a point

mass is equal to the mass of the
object times the square of the
object’s distance from the axis
of rotation.
.2

• To observe how the moment
of inertia depends on the
location of the rotational axis,
hold a book in the upright
position and put your hands at
the bottom of the book. Feel
the torque needed to rock the
book toward and away from
you.
.2

• Repeat with your hands
at the middle of the book.
Less torque is needed as
the average distance of
the mass from the axis is
less.
.2
Moment of Inertia
A simplified model of a twirling baton is a thin rod with
two round objects at each end. The length of the baton
is 0.66 m, and the mass of each object is 0.30 kg. Find
the moment of inertia of the baton as it is rotated about
an axis at the midpoint between the round objects and
perpendicular to the rod. What is the moment of inertia
of the baton if the axis is moved to one end of the rod?
Which is greater? The mass of the rod is negligible
compared to the masses of the objects at the ends.
.2
Moment of Inertia (cont.)

• Sketch the situation.
• Show the baton with the

two different axes of
rotation and the distances
from the axes of rotation
to the masses.
.2

Identify the known and unknown variables.
Known: Unknown:
m = 0.30 kg I=?
l = 0.66 m
.2

.2
Calculate the moment of inertia of each mass

separately.
Rotating about the center of the rod:

.2
Substitute l = 0.66 m
.2
Substitute m = 0.30 kg, r = 0.33 m

.2
Find the moment of inertia of the baton.
I = 2Isingle mass
Substitute Isingle mass = 0.033 kg·m2
= 2(0.033 kg·m2)
= 0.066 kg·m2
.2
Rotating about one end of the rod:
Isingle mass = mr2
Substitute m = 0.30 kg, r = 0.66 m
= (0.30 kg)(0.66 m)2

= 0.13 kg·m2
.2
I = Isingle mass
= 0.13 kg·m2
The moment of inertia is greater when the baton is
swung around one end.
.2

.2

Are the units correct?
Moment of inertia is measured in kg·m2.
Is the magnitude realistic?

Masses and distances are small, and so are the
moments of inertia. Doubling the distance increases
the moment of inertia by a factor of 4. Thus,
doubling the distance overcomes having only one
mass contributing.
.2

Sketch the situation.
Show the baton with the two different axes of
rotation and the distances from the axes of
rotation to the masses.
.2

Calculate the moment of inertia of each mass
separately.
The moment of inertia is greater when the baton
is swung around one end.
.2

.2
Newton’s Second Law for Rotational

Motion
• Newton’s second law for rotational motion
states that angular acceleration is directly
proportional to the net torque and inversely
proportional to the moment of inertia.
• This law is expressed by the following equation.
Newton’s Second Law for
Rotational Motion
.2
Newton’s Second Law for Rotational

Motion (cont.)
• If the torque on an object and the angular velocity
of that object are in the same direction, then the
angular velocity of the object increases.
• If the torque and angular velocity are in different
directions, then the angular velocity decreases.
.2
Donna and Carol are sitting on a seesaw that is
balanced. Now, if you disturb the arrangement, and the
distance of the pivot from Donna’s side is made double
the distance of the pivot from Carol’s side, what should
be done to balance the seesaw again?
A. Add some weight on Donna’s side, so the weight on Donna’s side
becomes double the weight on Carol’s side.
B. Add some weight on Carol’s side, so the weight on Carol’s side becomes
double the weight on Donna’s side.
C. Add some weight on Donna’s side, so the weight on Donna’s side

becomes four times the weight on Carol’s side.
D. Add some weight on Carol’s side, so the weight on Carol’s side becomes
four times the weight on Donna’s side.
.2
Answer
Reason: Let FgD and FgC be the weights of Donna
and Carol respectively, and rD and rC be
their respective distances from the pivot.
When there is no rotation, the sum of the

torques is zero.
.2
Answer
Reason: FgDrD = FgCrC
Now, if rD = 2rC
FgD2rC = FgCrC
Hence, to balance the seesaw again, the
weight on Carol’s side should be double
the weight on Donna’s side.
.2
What happens when a torque is exerted

on an object?
A. The object’s linear acceleration changes.
B. The object’s angular acceleration changes.
C. The object’s angular velocity changes.
D. The object’s linear velocity changes.
.2
Answer
Reason: Torque is the measure of how effectively
a force causes rotation. Hence, when
torque is exerted on an object, its angular
velocity changes.
.2
What will be the change in the moment of

inertia of a point mass of an object, if the
object’s distance from the axis of rotation
is doubled?
A. The moment of inertia will be doubled.
B. The moment of inertia will be halved.
C. The moment of inertia will increase by four times.
D. The moment of inertia will be quartered.
.2
Answer
Reason: The moment of inertia of a point mass is
equal to the mass of the object times the
square of the object’s distance from the
axis of rotation, i.e. I = mr2.
Hence, if r is doubled, I will increase by

four times.
SECTION8 Equilibrium
.3
MAIN IDEA
An object in static equilibrium experiences a net force of
zero and a net torque of zero.
Essential Questions
• What is the center of mass?
• How does the location of the center of mass affect the
stability of an object?
• What are the conditions for equilibrium?
• How do rotating frames of reference give rise to
apparent forces?
.3
Review Vocabulary
• torque a measure of how effectively a force causes
rotation; the magnitude is equal to the force times the
lever arm.
New Vocabulary
• Center of mass
• Centrifugal “force”
• Coriolis “force”
.3
The Center of Mass
• The center of mass of an object is the point on

the object that moves in the same way that a
point particle would move.
.3
The Center of Mass (cont.)
• The path of the center of mass of the object

below is a straight line.
.3
• To locate the center of mass of an object,

suspend the object, like a tennis racket, from
any point.
• When the racket stops swinging, the center of
mass is along the vertical line drawn from the
suspension point.
.3
• Draw the line, and then suspend the object from

another point on the racket. Again, the center of
mass must be below this point.
• Draw a second vertical line. The center of mass is at
the point where the two lines cross.
• A wrench, racket, and all other freely-rotating objects,
rotate about an axis that goes through their center of
mass.
.3
The Center of Mass of a Human Body
• The center of mass of a person varies with

posture.
.3
The Center of Mass of a Human Body (cont.)

• For a person standing with his or her arms hanging
straight down, the center of mass is a few centimeters
below the navel, midway between the front and back of
the person’s body.
.3

• When the arms are raised, as in ballet, the
center of mass rises by 6 to10 cm.
.3

• By raising her arms and legs while in the air, as
shown below, a ballet dancer moves her center of
mass closer to her head.
.3

• The path of the center of mass is a parabola, so
the dancer’s head stays at almost the same
height for a surprisingly long time.
.3
Center of Mass and Stability
Click image to view movie.

.3
Center of Mass and Stability (cont.)
• An object is said to be stable if an external force

is required to tip it.
• The object is stable as long as the direction of the
torque due to its weight, τw tends to keep it
upright. This occurs as long as the object’s center
of mass lies above its base.
.3
• To tip the object over, you must rotate its center

of mass around the axis of rotation until it is no
longer above the base of the object.
• To rotate the object, you must lift its center of
mass. The broader the base, the more stable the
object is.
.3
• If the center of mass is outside the base of an

object, it is unstable and will roll over without
additional torque.
• If the center of mass is above the base of the
object, it is stable.
• If the base of the object is very narrow and the
center of mass is high, then the object is stable, but
the slightest force will cause it to tip over.
.3
Conditions for Equilibrium

• An object is said to be in static equilibrium if both its
velocity and angular velocity are zero or constant.
• First, it must be in translational equilibrium; that is,
the net force exerted on the object must be zero.
• Second, it must be in rotational equilibrium; that is,
the net torque exerted on the object must be zero.
.3
Rotating Frames of Reference

• Newton’s laws are valid only in inertial or
nonaccelerated frames.
• Newton’s laws would not apply in rotating frames
of reference, as they are accelerated frames.
• Motion in a rotating reference frame is important
to us because Earth rotates.
.3
Rotating Frames of Reference (cont.)

• The effects of the rotation of Earth are too small
to be noticed in the classroom or lab, but they are
significant influences on the motion of the
atmosphere and therefore on climate and
weather.
.3
Centrifugal “Force”
• An observer on a rotating frame, sees an object
attached to a spring on the platform.
• He thinks that some force toward the outside of
the platform is pulling on the object.
• Centrifugal “force” is an apparent force that
seems to be acting on an object when that object
is kept on a rotating platform.
.3
Centrifugal “Force” (cont.)

• As the platform rotates, an observer on the ground
sees things differently.
• This observer sees the object moving in a circle.
• The object accelerates toward the center because of
the force of the spring.
• The acceleration is centripetal acceleration and is
given by
.3
Centrifugal “Force” (cont.)

• It also can be written in terms of angular velocity,
as:
• Centripetal acceleration is proportional to the

distance from the axis of rotation and depends on
the square of the angular velocity.
.3
The Coriolis “Force”

• Suppose a person
standing at the center of
a rotating disk throws a
ball toward the edge of
the disk.
.3
The Coriolis “Force” (cont.)

• An observer standing
outside the disk sees the
ball travel in a straight
line at a constant speed
toward the edge of the
disk.
.3

• An observer stationed on the
disk and rotating with it sees
the ball follow a curved path
at a constant speed.
• A force seems to be acting to
deflect the ball.
.3

• An apparent force that seems to
cause deflection to an object in a
horizontal motion when the
observer is in a rotating frame of
reference is known as the
Coriolis “force.”
• It seems to exist because we
observe a deflection in horizontal
motion when we are in a rotating
frame of reference.
.3

• An observer on Earth, sees the
Coriolis “force” cause a
projectile fired due north to
deflect to the right of the
intended target.
• The direction of winds around
high- and low-pressure areas
results from the Coriolis
“force.” Winds flow from areas
of high to low pressure.
.3

• Due to the Coriolis “force”
in the northern
hemisphere, winds from
the south blow east of
low-pressure areas.
.3

• Winds from the north,
however, end up west of
low-pressure areas.
• Therefore, winds rotate
counterclockwise
around low-pressure
areas in the northern
hemisphere.
.3
• In the southern
hemisphere however,
winds rotate clockwise
around low-pressure
areas.
.3
Define center of mass. How can you

locate the center of mass of an object?
.3
Answer
The center of mass of an object is the point on the object
that moves in the same way as a point particle.
To locate the center of mass of an object, suspend the

object from any point. When the object stops swinging, the
center of mass is along the vertical line drawn from the
suspension point. Draw the line. Then, suspend the object
from another point. Again, the center of mass must be
below this point. Draw a second vertical line. The center of
mass is at the point where the two lines cross.
.3
Explain why larger vehicles are more likely

to roll over than smaller ones.
A. Larger vehicles have a higher center of mass than

smaller ones.
B. Larger vehicles have a lower center of mass than
smaller ones.
C. Larger vehicles have greater mass than smaller ones.
D. Larger vehicles have huge tires which make the vehicle
roll over easily.
.3
Answer
Reason: Larger vehicles have a higher center of
mass than smaller ones. The higher the
center of mass, the smaller the tilt needed
to cause the vehicle’s center of mass to
move outside its base and cause the
vehicle to roll over.
.3
When is an object said to be in static

equilibrium?
A. when the net force exerted on the object is zero
B. when the net torque exerted on the object is zero
C. when both the net force and the net torque exerted
on the object are zero
D. if both the velocity and the angular acceleration are
zero or constant
.3
Answer
Reason: An object is said to be in static equilibrium if
both its velocity and angular velocity are zero
or constant. Thus, for an object to be in static
equilibrium, it must meet two conditions.
First, it must be in translational equilibrium,
that is, the net force exerted on the object
must be zero. Second, it must be in rotational
equilibrium, that is, the net torque exerted on
the object must be zero.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Resources
Physics Online
Study Guide
Chapter Assessment Questions
Standardized Test Practice
.1
Study Guide
• Angular displacement is the change in the angle (θ)

as an object rotates. It is usually measured in
degrees or radians.
• Average angular velocity is the object’s angular
displacement divided by the time takes to make the
angular displacement. Average angular velocity is
represented by the Greek letter omega (ω) and is
determined by the following equation.
.1
Study Guide
• Average angular acceleration is the change in

angular velocity divided by the time required to
make the change.
.2
Study Guide
• Torque describes the combination of a force and

a lever arm that can cause an object to rotate.
Torque is represented by the Greek letter tau (τ)
and is determined by the following equation:
.2
Study Guide
• The moment of inertia is a point object’s resistance to

changes in angular velocity. The moment of inertia is
represented by the letter I and for a point mass, it is
represented by the following equation:
• Newton’s second law for rotational motion states that

angular acceleration is directly proportional to the net
torque and inversely proportional to the moment of
inertia.
.3
Study Guide
• The center of mass of an object is the point on the

object that moves in the same way that a point
particle would move.
• An object is stable against rollover if its center of
mass is above its base.
• An object in equilibrium has no net force exerted on
it and there is no net torque acting on it.
.3
Study Guide
• Centrifugal “force” and Coriolis “force” are two

apparent, but nonexistent, forces that seem to
exist when an object is analyzed from a rotating
frame of reference.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
What is the angular displacement of Earth in

two days?
A. 2π rad times the radius of Earth
B. 2π rad
C. 4π rad
D. 4π rad times the radius of Earth
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: The angular displacement of Earth (or any

rotating object) in one rotation is
2π rad. In two days, Earth rotates
twice. Therefore, the angular displacement of
Earth in two days is
2π rad + 2π rad = 4π rad.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
A truck’s tires have a diameter of 1 m and move

with a velocity of 15 m/s. What is the angular
velocity of the truck’s tires?
A. C.
B. D.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: If an object’s angular velocity is ω,

then the linear velocity of a point at
a distance r from the axis of rotation is
given by v = rω.
Therefore,
.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Calculate the angular velocity of the wheels of

a cart performing 10 revolutions per minute.
A. C.
B. D.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: Angular velocity is equal to the angular

displacement divided by the time required
to complete one rotation.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: In one revolution, the angular

displacement of the cart is 2π rad.
Therefore, in 10 revolutions, the angular
velocity of the cart will be Δθ = 20π rad.
Therefore,
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
What is the angular frequency of a fan rotating

with an angular velocity of 6π rad/s?
A. 3 rev/s
B. 6 rev/s
C. 12 rev/s
D. 3π rev/s
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: Since
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
A person standing on the edge of a rotating

platform feels an outward pull. What is the force
that causes the person to experience the
outward pull?
A. Centripetal force
B. Centrifugal force
C. Gravitational force
D. Coriolis force
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Assessment
Reason: A person standing on the edge of a

rotating platform feels that some force
toward the outside of the platform is
pulling him. This apparent force is called
centrifugal force. It is not a real force
because there is no physical push on the
person.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
The illustration on the right shows two boxes on

opposite ends of a board that is 3.0 m long. The board is
supported in the middle by a fulcrum. The box on the left
has a mass, m1, of 25 kg, and the box on the right has a
mass, m2, of 15 kg. How far should the fulcrum be
positioned from the left side of the board in order to
balance the masses horizontally?
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
A. 0.38 m
B. 0.60 m
C. 1.1 m
D. 1.9 m
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
A force of 60 N is exerted on one end of a 1.0-m long

lever. The other end of the lever is attached to a rotating
rod that is perpendicular to the lever. By pushing down
on the end of the lever, you can rotate the rod. If the
force on the lever is exerted at an angle of 30°, what
torque is exerted on the lever?
(sin 30° = 0.5; cos 30° = 0.87; tan 30° = 0.58)
A. 30 N C. 60 N
B. 52 N D. 69 N
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
A child attempts to use a wrench to remove a

nut on a bicycle. Removing the nut requires a
torque of 10 N·m. The maximum force the child
is capable of exerting at a 90° angle is 50 N.
What is the length of the wrench the child must
have to remove the nut?
A. 0.1 m C. 0.2 m
B. 0.15 m D. 0.25 m
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
A car moves a distance of 420 m. Each tire on

the car has a diameter of 42 cm. Which of the
following shows how many revolutions each tire
makes as they move that distance?
A. C.
B. D.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
A thin hoop with a mass of 5.0 kg rotates about

a perpendicular axis through its center. A force
of 25 N is exerted tangentially to the hoop. If the
hoop’s radius is 2.0 m, what is its angular
acceleration?
A. 1.3 rad/s2 C. 5.0 rad/s2
B. 2.5 rad/s2 D. 6.3 rad/s2

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Test-Taking Tip
When Eliminating, Cross it Out
Consider each answer choice individually and

cross out the ones you have eliminated. If you
cannot write in the test booklet, use the scratch
paper to list and cross off the answer choices. You
will save time and stop yourself from choosing an
answer you have mentally eliminated.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Lever Arm
A bolt on a car engine needs to be tightened with a
torque of 35 N·m. You use a 25-cm long wrench
and pull on the end of the wrench at an angle of
30.0° from the perpendicular. How long is the lever
arm, and how much force do you have to exert?
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moment of Inertia
A simplified model of a twirling baton is a thin rod
with two round objects at each end. The length of
the baton is 0.66 m, and the mass of each object is
0.30 kg. Find the moment of inertia of the baton if it
is rotated about the midpoint between the round
objects. What is the moment of inertia of the baton
when it is rotated around one end? Which is
greater? Neglect the mass of the rod.
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Radian Measure of Common Angles

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Lever Arm and Torque

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Axis of Rotation of a Door

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Axis of Rotation of a Wrench

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Force, Lever Arm, and Torque

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Finding Net Torque

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Balancing Torques
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Balancing Torques on a Pulley

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Torque in a Bicycle
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moments of Inertia for Various Objects

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moments of Inertia in Batons

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moments of Inertia in Similar Objects

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moments of Inertia in Similar and

Equidistant Objects
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Upward Motion of the Center of Mass

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Center of Mass and Stability

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Conditions for Equilibrium

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Static Equilibrium
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Coriolis Force
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Coriolis Force due to Earth’s Rotation

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
The Stability of Sport-Utility Vehicles

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Angular Velocities
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Rotational Motion in a Wheel

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Rotational Motion in a Steering Wheel

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Velocity of an Automobile Wheel

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Torque on a Bolt, Produced by Force

Applied on a Wrench
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Moment of Inertia in the Toy

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Force Exerted on a Wooden Board

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Force Needed to Lift a Sheet of Wood

with Bags of Topsoil on It
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Angular Velocity of a Cylinder

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Applying Force and Torque on Lumber

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Tension in the Cable Supporting the

Flag
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Tension in the Rope Supporting the

Lamp
CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Positioning the Fulcrum

CHAPTER
8 Rotational Motion
Chapter Resources
Effect of Torque on the Wrench

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PHYSICS

Chapter 8: Rotational Motion

Section 8.1 Describing Rotational Motion

Section 8.2 Rotational Dynamics

Section 8.3 Equilibrium

Click a hyperlink to view the corresponding slides. Exit

Angular Displacement (cont.)

• The radian is defined as

Angular Displacement (cont.)

Angular Displacement (cont.)

Angular Velocity (cont.)

• Here angular velocity is represented by the Greek

Angular Velocity (cont.)

Angular Velocity (cont.)

• For Earth, ωE = (2π rad)/[(24.0 h)(3600 s/h)] =

Angular Velocity (cont.)

Angular Velocity (cont.)

• The angular acceleration, α, is represented by the

Angular Acceleration (cont.)

Angular Acceleration (cont.)

Angular Acceleration (cont.)

Angular Acceleration (cont.)

What is the angular velocity of the second

Since the fan is performing 10 revolutions

Force and Angular Velocity

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

• To get the most effect

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Force and Angular Velocity (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

• Sketch the situation.

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

L = (0.25 m)(sin 60.0°)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Step 3: Evaluate the Answer

Lever Arm (cont.)

Does the sign make sense?

Lever Arm (cont.)

Lever Arm (cont.)

Step 3: Evaluate the Answer

Finding Net Torque

Click image to view movie.

The Moment of Inertia

The Moment of Inertia (cont.)

The Moment of Inertia (cont.)

The Moment of Inertia (cont.)

• The moment of inertia of a point

The Moment of Inertia (cont.)