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General Physics 1
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational Dynamics

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

General Physics 1 – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 1: Rotational Equilibrium & Rotational Dynamics
First Edition, 2020

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 Senior
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General Physics
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Rotational Equilibrium and
Rotational Dynamics

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 Table of Contents

What This Module is About ........................................................................................................... i

What I Need to Know ..................................................................................................................... ii
How to Learn from this Module ................................................................................................... ii
Icons of this Module ...................................................................................................................... iii

What I Know.................................................................................................................................. .iii

Second Quarter – Module 1

Lesson 1: Rotational Kinematics

What I Need to Know .................................................................................... 1
What’s New: ................................................................................................ 2
What Is It ....................................................................................................... 2
What’s More .................................................................................................. 11
What I Have Learned .................................................................................... 11
What I Can Do ............................................................................................... 12

Lesson 2: Rotational Dynamics

What I Need to Know .................................................................................... 13
What’s New ................................................................................................... 14
What Is It: ................................................................................................... 15
What’s More ................................................................................................ 23
What I Have Learned .................................................................................. 24
What I Can Do ............................................................................................... 25

Summary ............................................................................................................................. 26
Assessment: (Post-Test) .................................................................................................... 28
Key to Answers ................................................................................................................... 30
References 31
 Module 1
Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational
Dynamics
What This Module is About

This module demonstrates your understanding on the concepts of Rotational

Motion. Rotational motion can be most easily approached by considering how it is
analogous to linear of translational motion.

The first part of this module will discuss the kinematics of rotational motion as
described in its angular position, speed and acceleration. The second part will discuss
its dynamics and explain the forces that causes objects to rotate. In this part, you will
understand the Physics of simple events observed daily such as the motion of opening
doors, the concept behind see-saw; the motion of ice-skaters and many more.

Specifically, this module will discuss two (2) lessons:

• Lesson 1 – Rotational Kinematics
• Lesson 2 – Rotational Dynamics

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Calculate the moment of inertia about a given axis of single-object and multiple object
systems STEM_GP12REDIIa-1
2. Calculate magnitude and direction of torque using the definition of torque as a cross
product STEM_GP12REDIIa-3
3. Describe rotational quantities using vectors STEM_GP12REDIIa-4
4. Determine whether a system is in static equilibrium or not STEM_GP12REDIIa-5
5. Apply the rotational kinematic relations for systems with constant angular accelerations
STEM_GP12REDIIa-6
6. Solve static equilibrium problems in contexts such as, but not limited to, seesaws,
mobiles, cable-hinge-strut system, leaning ladders, and weighing a heavy suitcase using
a small bathroom scale STEM_GP12REDIIa-8
7. Determine angular momentum of different systems STEM_GP12REDIIa-9
8. Apply the torque-angular momentum relation STEM_GP12REDIIa-1
How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Icons of this Module

What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that

Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.
 What I Know

Multiple Choice. Answer the question that follows. Choose the best answer from the
given choices.

1. Which of the following statements show the properties of angular displacement and linear
displacement?
A. θ, for points on a rotating object depends on their distance from the axis.
B. θ, for points on a rotating object does not depends on their distance from the axis.
C. The displacement, for point on a rotating object, depends on their distance from the axis
of rotation.
D. The displacement, for point on a rotating object, does not depends on their distance from
the axis of rotation
2. What is the linear speed of a child on a merry-go-round of radius 3.0 m that has an angular
velocity of 4.0 rd/s?
A.) 0.75 m/s B.) 10 m/s C.) 12 m/s D.) 13.0 m/s
3. What is the angular velocity of an object traveling in a circle of radius 0.75m with a linear
speed of 3.5 m/s?
A.) 4.3 rd/s B.) 4.8 rd/s C.) 4.9 rd/s D.) 4.7 rd/s
4. What is the angular acceleration of a ball that starts at rest and increases its angular velocity
uniformly to 5 rd/s?
A.) 8.0 rd/s2 B.) 2 rd/s2 C.) 0.5 rd/s2 D. 3 rd/s2
5. What is the angular velocity of a ball that starts at rest and rolls for 5 seconds with a constant
angular acceleration of 20 rd/s2?
A.) 4 rd/s B.) 10 rd/s C.) 100 rd/s D.) 7 rd/s
6. If no external torque acts on a body, its angular velocity remains conserved.
A) True B) False
7. The easiest way to open a heavy door is by applying the force
A) Near the hinges B) In the middle of the door
C) At the edge of the door far from the hinges D) At the top of the door
8. Does a bridge anchored resting on two pillars have any torque?
A) No, it isn't moving B) Yes, but it is at equilibrium
C) Yes, but it will soon break because of the torque D) No, Bridges can't have torque
9. When an object is experiencing a net torque
A) it is in dynamic equilibrium. B) it is in static equilibrium.
C) it is rotating. D) it is translating.
10. A rusty bolt is hard to get turned. What could be done to help get the bolt turned?
A) use a long-arm lever B) decrease the force
C) apply the force at a 30 degree angle D) use a short-arm lever
 Lesson

1 ROTATIONAL KINEMATICS

What’s In

Rotational motion is all around us from molecules to galaxies. The earth rotates
about its axis. Wheels, gears, propellers, motors, the drive shaft in a car, a CD in its
player, a pirouetting ice skater, all rotate. Our study of rotation is between linear motion
and rotational motion. In this lesson, we consider rotation about an axis that is fixed in
space, or one that is moving parallel to itself as in a rolling ball.

What I Need to Know

Have you ever watched a Ferris wheel as it turns? How do you feel? Did you
ever wonder how it moves? Will you still ride it if it doesn’t turn? This is why rotational
motion is a very important motion. It is important to know how this motion affects the
movement of a certain body.

As you go along this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define kinematic rotational variables such as angular position, angular
velocity, and angular acceleration
• Derive rotational kinematic equations, and
• Solve for the angular position, angular velocity, and angular acceleration
of a rotating body.

1
 What’s New

Activity 1.1 Am I Important?

List some types of rotating objects and how are they important to society. Write
your answer in tabular form below.

Types of Rotating Objects Importance to Society

What Is It

Rotational Kinematics
Kinematics is the description of motion. It is concerned with the description of
motion without regard to force or mass. But what exactly is rotational kinematics? From
the word, you can describe that it’s all about any object that can rotate or spin. It’s
different from linear motion when object simply moves forward. The kinematics of
rotational motion describes the relationships among rotation angle (θ), angular velocity
(ω), angular acceleration ( α) , and time (t). You will find that translational kinematic
quantities, such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration have direct analogs in
rotational motion.

Axis of Rotation

In activity 1.1, you have listed some types of rotating objects and their
importance to society right? Everything that you have listed are all rotating about a line
somewhere within the object called the axis of rotation. We are also going to assume
that all these objects are rigid bodies, that is, they keep their shape and are not
deformed in any way by their motion. Look at Figure 1 below. It shows the wheel and
axle of a bike. Is the axle (axis of rotation) part of the wheel (rigid body)? The answer
is NO. If you were to spin the wheel around its center, the axis of rotation (axle) would
be pointing perpendicular to the motion of the wheel.

2
 Figure 1.1 Wheel and Axle
Source: https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/764134261749726038/
https://bit.ly/3mmkceW

Angular Displacement

The symbol generally used for angular displacement is θ pronounced "teta" or

"theta." θ is the angle swept by the radius of a circle that points to a rotating object.
Look at the circle below and assume its rotating about its middle so the axis of rotation
is pointing out of the page. Start with a piece of the circle at point A. as the circle
rotates counterclockwise, the piece of the circle reaches point B. The point traveled a
distance of s along the circumference, and swept out an angle θ. We can also say that
the angle θ “substends’ an arc length of s. Note that the points A and B are always at
the same distance, r, from the axis of rotation.

Figure 1.2 The Angle of Displacement

Source: file:///C:/Users/USER/Downloads/rotational_motion_-_day_1___2%20(3).pdf

We will now define the angle of rotation (θ) as the ratio of the arc length (s) to
the radius (r) of the circle. We call this angle of rotation (θ) the angular displacement.
We denote angular displacement as Θ (theta). In symbol,

Where : θ is the angle of rotation,

S is the arc length, and
r is the radius.

3
 Angular displacement is unitless since it is the ratio of two distances but, we
will say that the angular displacement is measured in radians. We know degrees, and
we know that when a point on a circle rotates and comes back to the same point, it
has performed one revolution; let us say from point A, and rotate until we come back
to point A.

Refer to Figure 2 again, what distance (s) was covered? How many degrees
were swept by this full rotation? The point moved around the entire circumference, so
it traveled 2πr while an angle of 3600 was swept through. Using the angular
displacement definition:

When an object makes one complete revolution, it sweeps out an angle of 3600
or 2π radians. One radian is the angle at which the arc has the same length as the
radius r.
1 radian = 57.30

The radian is frequently abbreviated as rad.

Sample Problems
1. ) An object travels around a circle10.0 full turns in 2.5 seconds. Calculate (a) the
angular displacement, θ in radians.
Given:
# of turns/complete rotations = 10 turns
Time = 2.5 seconds
Find: Angular displacement (θ) in radians

*Note that 1 complete rotation = 3600 = 2π radians = 6.28 rd

Solution:
Θ = 10.0 turns ( 6.28 rd / turn ) = 62.8 radians.

2. ) A girl goes around a circular track that has a diameter of 12 m. If she runs around
the entire track for a distance of 100 m, what is her angular displacement?
Given:
Diameter of the curved path = 12m ;
*Note that diameter = 2r therefore,
r= d/2 so,
r= 12m/2= 6m
Linear displacement, s = 100 m.

4
Find: Angular displacement θ
Solution:
Θ = s/r → θ = 100m / 6 m = 16.67 radians
Angular displacement can now be related to linear displacement. Working on
Kinematics problems with linear displacement was tackled in your previous lessons.
What other quantities played a key role in linear displacement?

Angular Velocity
In linear motion, velocity (v) is defined as the rate of change of the object's
position with respect to a frame of reference and time that is, 𝑣 = ∆𝑥/∆𝑡
while acceleration (a) is the rate of change of velocity. In symbol, we have:
𝑎 = ∆𝑣/∆𝑡 ; 𝑎 = (𝑣2 − 𝑣1 )/∆𝑡
In rotational motion, angular velocity (ω) is defined as the change in angular
displacement (θ) per unit of time (t). In symbol,
𝜔 = ∆𝜃/∆𝑡
The symbol ω is pronounced "omega" is used to denote angular velocity.

We usually describe the angular velocity as revolution per second (rev/sec,

rps), or radian per second. See Figure 1.3. You will often have to convert this number,
since it is usually given as a frequency (revolutions per time frame).

Figure 1.3 Angular Velocity

Source: http://230nsc1.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rotq.html
:

From linear velocity conversion, we have:

ω = v/r,
where:
ω is the angular velocity (rad/s),
v is the tangential velocity (m/s), and
r is the radius in circular path (meters).

5
 Starting from angular velocity, let’s substitute the linear displacement for the
angular displacement we have:

As you can see, the tangential velocity (v) is directly proportional to the product
of the angular velocity and the radius of the moving object. This confirms your feeling
when riding a merry-go-round. Thus, the farther you are from the center, the faster you
feel you are moving.

Sample Problems

1.) If an object travels around a circle with an angular displacement of 70.8 radians
in 3.0 seconds, what is its average angular velocity ω in (rd/s)?

Answer

Given: Δθ = 70.8 rd ; Δt = 3 s
Find: ω = ?

Solution: ω = Δθ / Δt = 70.8 rd / 3.0 s = 23.6 rd/s.

2.) A bicycle wheel with a radius of 0.28 m starts from rest and accelerates at a rate
of 3.5 rad/s2 for 8 s. What is its final angular velocity?
Answer
Given: r = 0.28 m; α = 3.5 rd/s2 t = 8 s
Find: ω =?
Solution: From the equation α = ω / t , we can have
ω = αt = 3.5 rd/s2 ( 8s ) = 28 rd/s

Angular Acceleration

If the angular velocity of the rotating object increases or decreases with time,
we say that the object experiences an angular acceleration, α. The angular
acceleration of a rotating object is the rate at which the angular velocity changes with
respect to time. It is the change in the angular velocity, divided by the change in time.
The average angular acceleration is the change in the angular velocity, divided by the
change in time. The angular acceleration is a vector that points in a direction along the
rotation axis. The magnitude of the angular acceleration is given by the formula below.
The unit of angular acceleration is radians/s2.

6
In symbol,

Where:
α = angular acceleration, (radians/s2)
Δω = change in angular velocity (radians/s)
Δt = change in time (s)
ω1 = initial angular velocity (radians/s)
ω2= final angular velocity (radians/s)
t1 = initial time (s)
t2= final time (s).

The symbol α is pronounced "Alpha". The unit of measure is radian per second
squared (rd/s2).

All points in the object have the same angular acceleration. Every point on a
rotating has, at any instant a linear velocity (v) and a linear acceleration (a). Look at
the illustration in Figure 1.4 below, we can relate the linear quantities (v and a) to the
angular quantities (ω and α). Linear velocity and angular velocity are related since
v = rω
Where; v is the linear velocity,
r is the radius of the object, and
ω is the angular acceleration.

Figure 1.4 Relation of Linear Velocity and Angular Velocity:

Points farther than the axis of rotation will move faster (linear velocity) but the angular
velocity for all points is the same.
Source: https://www.slideshare.net/ibidorigin/12-rotational-motion

It is not only the point (we measure) move in that angular velocity. All points in
the object rotate with the same angular velocity. Every position in the object move
through the same time interval. Conventionally, object moving counterclockwise has
a value of positive (+) angular acceleration, while the one moving the clockwise
direction has negative (-) value.

7
 Angular acceleration occurs when the angular velocity changes over time. It
acts in the direction of rotation in a circular motion (not the same as centripetal
acceleration). In this case, we must also introduce tangential acceleration at, since the
tangential velocity is changing. If there is angular acceleration, there will also be
tangential acceleration
𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝑟𝛼 and 𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 𝜔2 𝑟
where:
at is the tangential (linear) acceleration (m/s)
r is the radius of circular path (meters)
α is the angular acceleration;
ar is the radial (linear) acceleration (m/s);and
ω is the angular acceleration (rd/s2).

Sample Problems

1. A disc in a DVD player starts from rest, and when the user presses “Play”, it begins
spinning..The disc is spins at 160 radians/s after 4.0 s. What was the average
angular acceleration of the disc?
Answer:
Given:
T1 = 0 T2= 4.0 s
ω1 = 0 ω2 =160 rd/s
Find:
Angular acceleration (α) =?
Solution:

Between the initial and final times, the average angular acceleration of the disc was
40.0 radians/s2.

2.) A car tire is turning at a rate of 5.0 rd / sec as it travels along the road. The driver
increases the car's speed, and as a result, each tire's angular speed increases to
8.0 rd /sec in 6.0 sec. Find the angular acceleration of the tire.

Answer

Given: ω1 = 5.0 rd/s; ω2 = 8.o rd/s; Δt = 6.o s

Find: α=?

Solution:

α = Δω / Δt = (ω2 - ω1) /Δt = ( 8.0 rd/s - 5.0 rd/s ) / 6.0s = 0.50 rd/s2.

8
2. As a car starts accelerating ( from rest ) along a straight road at a rate of 2.4 m/s2,
each of its tires gains an angular acceleration of 6.86 rd/s2. Calculate (a) the radius
of its tires, (b) the angular speed of every particle of the tires after 3.0s, and (c) the
angle every particle of its tires travels during the 3.0-second period.

Answer

Given: ω1 = 0 (from rest) at = 2.4 m/s2 α = 6.86 rd/s2 Δt = 3.0 s

Find: a) r b) ω2 c) θ

Solution:

a. ) From the equation

at = rα, we get r = at /α = [2.4 m/s2] / [6.86 rd/s2] = 0.35m

(b) From the equation

α = (ω2- ωi1)/Δt, we get

α Δt = ω2- ω1

ω2= ω1+ α Δt

ω2= 0 +(6.86rd/s2)(3.0s) = 21 rd/s.

(c) θ = (1/2)α t2 + ωi t = (1/2)( 6.86 rd/s2)(3.0s)2 + (0) (3.0s) = 31 rd.

Putting these definitions together, you observe a very strong parallel between
translational kinematic quantities and rotational kinematic quantities See Table 1.1
below.

Table 1.1a Symbols for Translational ang Angular Kinematics Quantities

Source:https://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/honors/rotation/honors_rot_kinematics.html

9
 It’s quite straightforward to translate between translational and angular
variables as well when you know the radius (r) of the point of interest on a rotating
object.

Table 1.2 Translational ang Angular Kinematics Quantities (if radius is given)
Source:https://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/honors/rotation/honors_rot_kinematics.html

The rotational kinematic equations (See table below) can be used the same
way you used the translational kinematic equations to solve problems. Once you know
three of the kinematic variables, you can always use the equations to solve for the
other two.

Table 1.3 Translational and Rotational Kinematics Equations

Source:https://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/honors/rotation/honors_rot_kinematics.html

The above Kinematics equations allowed you to explore the relationship

between displacement, velocity, and acceleration. You can develop a corresponding
set of relationships for angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular
acceleration. The equations follow the same form as the translational equations, all
you have to do is replace the translational variables with rotational variables.

10
 What’s More

Activity 1.2 Matched Me Right

Match column A with column B according to their meaning. Write the letter of
your answer on the space provided before each number.

Column A Column B
(Meaning/Definition)
(Term/s)
___ 1. A measure of how angular velocity changes over time. A. Angular
___ 2. The imaginary or actual axis around which an object position
may rotate. B. Linear velocity
___ 3.It is the change in linear velocity divided by time. C. Axis of
rotation
___ 4. It is half of the circle’s circumference D. Tangential
___ 5. The orientation of a body or figure with respect to a Acceleration
specified reference position as expressed by the amount E. Angular
of rotation necessary to change from one orientation to the velocity
other about a specified axis. F. Kinematics
___ 6. The rate of rotation around an axis usually G. Angular
expressed in radian or revolutions per second or acceleration
per minute. H. Radian
___ 7. A property of matter by which it remains at rest or in I. Angular
uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon displacement
by some external force. J. Radius
___ 8. Branch of dynamics that deals with aspects of motion apart
from considerations of mass and force.
___ 9. It is the rate of change of the position of an object that is
traveling along a straight path.
___ 10. It is an angle whose corresponding arc in a circle is equal
to the radius of the circle

What I Have Learned

Activity 1.3 Think Critically

Solve the following in a clean sheet of paper. Show your solution and box your
final answer.

1. ) Mark bought a pizza of a radius of 0.5 m. A fly lands on the pizza and walks around the
edge for a distance of 80 cm. Calculate the angular displacement of the fly?

2. ) What is the angular velocity of an object traveling in a circle of radius 0.75 m with a linear
speed of 3.5 m/s?

3.) What is the angular acceleration of a ball that starts at rest and increases its angular
velocity uniformly to 5 rad/s in 10 s?

11
 What I Can Do

Activity 1. 4. Correct Me If I’m Wrong

Explain briefly. Write your answer in a separate paper.

1.) Angular acceleration does not change with radius, but tangential acceleration
does.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2.) Differentiate angular acceleration from tangential (or linear) acceleration.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3.) On a rotating carousel or merry-go-round, one child sits on a horse near the outer
edge and another child sits on a lion halfway out from the center. Which child has the
greater linear velocity? Which child has the greater angular velocity?

12
 Lesson

2 ROTATIONAL DYNAMICS

What I Need to Know

In the previous lesson, you learned about the analogy of translational and
rotational motion. With this you were able to derived the basic variables necessary in
understanding this type of motion. Also, you learned the kinematics of rotating body without
taking into account the factors that causes its motion.

In this lesson you will understand rotational motion further through its dynamics;
that is how Torque, the force applied, causes a body to rotate. Also, in this lesson, you will
learn the conditions of Static Equilibrium; the Work done by the torque and the Angular
Momentum and their analogy to Newton’s Laws of Motion. This lesson will help you explore
and understand how simple events encountered and observed daily works. Specifically, you
are expected to learn the following:

1. Determine whether a system is in static equilibrium or not

2. Determine the conditions of a system under equilibrium and solve static equilibrium
problems
3. Define torque and learn how force should be applied in a body to attain maximum
torque
4. Determine angular momentum of different systems
5. Apply the torque-angular momentum relation in solving problems

13
 What’s New

Investigating Torque!

Torque is a physical quantity closely related to rotation. It is the Force’s ability to cause
an object to rotate.
Perform the following tasks to have a preliminary observation on the relationship
between torque to the distance of application and angle of rotation. To do this, apply an
estimated constant force to the labelled points to rotate the object and rank the ease of rotation
from easiest to hardest.

Ease of Rotation
Situation (Rank the Forces from easiest to hardest)
1st 2nd 3rd
A. Opening a Door

B. Removing a Bolt using a Wrench

C. Rotating A Blade

From the results obtained and observed, deduce the relationship of the following:

A. Torque vs the Distance of Application

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
B. Torque vs the Angle of Application
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

14
 What Is It

A. TORQUE (𝝉)
Have you ever wondered why doorknobs are situated at the opposite end of the hinges
and not near it? And why is it easier to use long-handled wrenches than the short-handled one
in removing bolts? How about doing an arm-wrestling with a longer-arm person? What do you
think would be your chances of winning?

This lesson will enlighten you on the simple physics behind these things. With the
understanding of Torque, you will be able to answer these questions.

To understand this, let us imagine a

door. The door has hinges on one side. To
successfully open the door, you need to apply
a force. This force will cause the door to rotate
about its hinges, or its axis of rotation. This
rotation creates Torque.

Torque, also called the Moment of

Force, is the result of the force that can cause
an object to rotate about an axis. It is a vector
quantity. It is the cross product of the vector
Force and the distance from the axis of rotation.

Mathematically, 𝜏⃑ = 𝑟⃑ 𝑥 𝐹⃑
whose magnitude is equal to 𝜏 = 𝑟⊥ 𝐹
𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
where 𝑟⊥ = 𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
And 𝜃 is the angle between 𝑟 and 𝐹
S.I. Unit: Nm

The direction of the torque may either be

counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW). By
convention, we take the counterclockwise direction to be positive and clockwise as negative.

From the equation, we see that the effect of the Force on the motion of the rotating
body depends on three factors as follows:

1. Magnitude of the Force

2. Lever Arm (Moment Arm) – perpendicular distance of the line of action to the axis of rotation
3. The angle between the Force vector and the lever arm

The torque increases as the force increases,

and also as the distance increases. That is why
doorknobs are located at the opposite end of the
hinges. It is easier to open the door in this case since
small force is needed to cause torque to the door.

15
Sample Problems:

1. A Force of (4𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂)𝑁 is applied at a point whose position vector is (7𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂)𝑚.
Find the Torque of force about the origin.

Solution:
𝐹⃑ = (4𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂)𝑁
𝑟⃑ = (7𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂)𝑚
𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝜏⃑ = 𝑟⃑ 𝑥 𝐹⃑ = | 7 4 −2| = (20 − 6)𝑖̂ − (35 + 8)𝑗̂ + (−21 − 16)𝑘̂ = (14𝑖̂ − 43𝑗̂ − 37𝑘̂ )𝑁𝑚
4 −3 5

2. A crane has an arm length of 20 m inclined at 30º with the vertical. It carries a container of
mass of 2 ton suspended from the top end of the arm. Find the torque produced by the
gravitational force on the container about the point
where the arm is fixed to the crane. [Given: 1
ton = 1000 kg; neglect the weight of the arm. g = 9.8
m/s2]

Solution:

𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 where 𝐹 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑚𝑔

= 𝑟(𝑚𝑔)𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
= (20𝑚)(2000𝑘𝑔)(9.8𝑚/𝑠2 )(𝑠𝑖𝑛30)
𝜏 = 1.96𝑥105 𝑁𝑚

Note: 𝜃 is the angle between 𝑟 and 𝐹

3. Consider the door shown in the figure, which is seen from an aerial view. The circle on the
left is the hinge (pivot point).
a. Find the Net Torque acting on
the door.
b. Which way will the door open,
up or down?

Solution:

a. 𝜏𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝜏1 + 𝜏2 + 𝜏3 + 𝜏4
𝜏1 = 𝑟𝐹1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (0)(60𝑁)𝑠𝑖𝑛90 = 0
𝜏2 = 𝑟𝐹2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (0.20𝑚)(50𝑁)𝑠𝑖𝑛90 = 10𝑁𝑚
𝜏3 = 𝑟𝐹3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (0.2𝑚 + 0.6𝑚)(70𝑁)𝑠𝑖𝑛90 = 56𝑁𝑚
𝜏4 = 𝑟𝐹4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = (0.2𝑚 + 0.6𝑚 + 0.2𝑚)(80𝑁)𝑠𝑖𝑛30 = 40𝑁𝑚

Before adding the torque, determine their corresponding direction according to the rotation of the door.
𝜏1 has no rotation since the torque is zero
𝜏2 and 𝜏4 : pulling the door upward would make it rotate in the CCW direction (+)
𝜏3 : pulling the door downward would make it rotate in the CW direction (-)
𝜏𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 0 + 10𝑁𝑚 + (−56𝑁𝑚) + 40𝑁𝑚 = −6𝑁𝑚

b. Since the result of the net torque is negative, this means that the door will rotate in the
clockwise or downward direction.

16
B. STATIC EQUILIBRIUM

Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest – neither rotating nor translating. It
is analogous to Newton’s 1st Law of motion for rotational system. An object which is not rotating
remains not rotating unless acted on by an external torque. Similarly, an object rotating at
constant angular velocity remains rotating unless acted on by an external torque.

For an object to maintain in static equilibrium, the following conditions must be met:

⃑
1. The net force acting on the object must be zero: ∑ 𝐹 =0
2. The net torque acting on the object must be zero: ∑ 𝜏 = 0

Applications of Static Equilibrium is constantly seen and observed around us. A

common example of balanced torques is two children on a see-saw. If the fulcrum is in the
center of the see-saw, the two children must have equal mass for it to be balanced. If the
fulcrum is not in the center, their masses must vary to create equal torques.

This topic will also help you understand important applications in the field of
engineering such as building bridges, the Physics behind crane towers and many more.

Sample Problems:

1. A 0.15kg meterstick is supported at the 50cm mark. A mass of 0.5kg is attached at the
80cm mark.
a. How much mass should be
attached to the 40cm mark to keep
the meterstick horizontal?
b. Determine the supporting force
from the fulcrum on the meterstick.

Solution:
a. From the 2nd condition of Equilibrium:
∑𝜏 = 0 → 𝜏1 + 𝜏2 = 0
Where 𝜏1 is the torque caused by the force exerted by mass m
𝜏2 is the torque caused by the force exerted by the 0.5kg mass
Hanging mass m would cause the stick to rotate in the CCW direction, thus 𝜏1 is (+)
Hanging the 0.5kg-mass would cause the stick to rotate in the CW direction, thus 𝜏2 is (-)
∑ 𝜏 = 𝜏1 − 𝜏2 = 𝑟1 𝐹1 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 𝑟2 𝐹2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 0 where 𝐹 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 𝑚𝑔
[(0.10𝑚)(𝑚)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛90] − [(0.30𝑚)(0.5𝑘𝑔)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )𝑠𝑖𝑛90] = 0

17
 (0.98𝑚2 /𝑠 2 )𝑚 − 1.47𝑁𝑚 = 0 → 𝑚 = 1.47𝑁𝑚/0.98𝑚2 /𝑠 2 ) = 1.5𝑘𝑔
𝑚 = 1.5𝑘𝑔

b. From the 1st condition of Equilibrium:

∑ 𝐹⃑ = 0 = ⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑2 + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹1 + 𝐹 𝐹𝑚 + ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = 0

Where ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹1 = 𝑤 = 𝑚1 𝑔 is the downward force due to mass 𝑚1 = 1.5𝑘𝑔
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹2 = 𝑤 = 𝑚2 𝑔 is the downward force due to mass 𝑚2 = 0.5𝑘𝑔
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑚 = 𝑤 = 𝑚𝑔 is the downward force due to the mass of the meterstick
⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = is the upward force exerted by the fulcrum to support the weight of the meterstick and masses
⃑⃑⃑⃑1 − 𝐹
−𝐹 ⃑⃑⃑⃑2 − ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑚 + ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = 0 → ⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = ⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑2 + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹1 + 𝐹 𝐹𝑚 = 𝑚1 𝑔 + 𝑚2 𝑔 + 𝑚𝑔
⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = (1.5𝑘𝑔)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 ) + (0.5𝑘𝑔)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 ) + (0.15𝑘𝑔)(9.8𝑚/𝑠 2 )
⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐹𝑓 = 21.07𝑁

2. A firefighter who weighs 800N climbs a uniform ladder and stops one-
third of the way up the ladder. The ladder is 5m long and weighs
180N. It rests againsts a vertical wall making an angle 53º with the
ground. Find the normal and the frictional forces on the ladder at its
base.

Solution:

We first contruct the Free-Body Diagram to identity the forces present.

Since the Normal Force is located at the y-axis, we get

the net force along this axis.

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝑁 − 𝑊𝑝 − 𝑊𝑙 = 0
𝑁 = 𝑊𝑝 + 𝑊𝑙 = 800𝑁 + 180𝑁
𝑁 = 980𝑁

To solve the friction Force, we use get the net force

along the x-axis.
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝐹−𝑓 = 0 → 𝐹=𝑓
To solve for F, we use the 2 nd
condition of equilibrium. ∑𝜏 = 0
𝜏𝑁 − 𝜏𝑊𝑝 − 𝜏𝑊𝑙 + 𝜏𝐹 = 0
𝑟𝑁 𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 𝑟𝑤𝑝 𝑊𝑝 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 𝑟𝑤𝑙 𝑊𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑟𝑓 𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = 0

−𝑟𝑁 𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑟𝑤𝑝 𝑊𝑝 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑟𝑤𝑙 𝑊𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

𝐹=
𝑟𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

1
(0)(980𝑁𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + ( ) (5𝑚)(800𝑁)(𝑠𝑖𝑛37°) + (2.5𝑚)(180𝑁)(𝑠𝑖𝑛37°)
𝐹= 3
(5𝑚)𝑠𝑖𝑛53°

18
 0 + 802.42𝑁𝑚 + 270.82𝑁𝑚
𝐹=
3.99𝑚

𝐹 = 268.98𝑁 = 𝑓

C. WORK DONE BY A TORQUE

We have seen how Newton’s Laws of motion is similar to rotational motion. Newton’s Laws
may be stated in terms of rotational motion.

1st Law of Rotational Motion:

A body in motion at constant angular velocity will continue in motion at the same angular
velocity, unless acted upon by some unbalanced external torque.

2nd Law of Rotational Motion:

When an unbalanced external torque acts on a body with moment of inertia, I, it gives that body
an angular acceleration α, which is directly proportional to the torque and inversely proportional to
the moment of Inertia.

3rd Law of Rotational Motion:

If body A and body B have the same axis of rotation, and if body A exerts a torque on body B,
then body B exerts an equal but opposite torque on body A.

We can derive the equation of Torque in terms of the angular acceleration , 𝛼,from Newton’s
2nd Law of Motion:
𝐹⃑ = 𝑚𝑎⃑ multiplying both sides with 𝑟
𝑟𝐹⃑ = 𝑟𝑚𝑎⃑ where 𝑟𝐹⃑ = 𝜏 and 𝑎 = 𝑟𝛼
𝜏 = (𝑟𝑚)(𝑟𝛼)
𝜏 = 𝑚𝑟 2 𝛼 ; 𝐼 = 𝑚𝑟 2
𝜏 = 𝐼𝛼

Rotational Work

To calcula the work done by the torque, we derive it from the translational equation of Work.

𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑 where 𝑑 = 𝑠 = 𝑟𝜃 (𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑊 = 𝐹𝑟𝜃 ; 𝐹𝑟 = 𝜏
𝑊 = 𝜏𝜃

Rotational Kinetic Energy

1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔 (𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
2
1 1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚(𝑟𝜔)2 = 𝑚𝑟 2 𝑣 2 ; 𝑚𝑟 2 = 𝐼
2 2
1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝐼𝜔2
2

For vehicles such as cars and bicycles, the tires exert rotational and translational kinetic
energy. Thus, the total kinetic energy is equal to:
1 1
𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝐼𝜔2
2 2

19
Angular Momentum

Angular momentum is a quantity that tells us how hard it is to change the rotational
motion of a particular spinning body. For a single particle with known momentum. The angular
momentum can be calculated using the relationship:

𝐿 =𝑟𝑥𝑝
Where 𝐿 is the angular momentum of the object;
𝑟 is the distance of the particle from the point of rotation and
𝑝 is the linear momentum

𝐿 = 𝑟 𝑥 (𝑚𝑣) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑣 = 𝑟𝜔
𝐿 = 𝑟 𝑥 (𝑚)(𝑟𝜔) = 𝑚𝑟 2 𝜔 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑟 2 = 𝐼

Therefore: 𝐿 = 𝐼𝜔

The higher the angular momentum of the object, the harder it is to stop. Objects with
higher angular momentum have greater orientational stability. That is why in riding a bicycle,
if you are going faster, you will not fall ober easily as when you are going slower.

Conservation of Momentum:

“The momentum of a system will not change unless an external torque is applied.”
𝐿𝑓 = 𝐿𝑖 (𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚 = 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚)

20
Sample Problems:

1. Janelle uses a 20cm long wrench to tighten a nut.

The wrench handle is tilted 30º above the
horizontal and Janelle pulls straight down on the
end with a force of 100N. How much torque does
Janelle exert on the nut?

Solution:

𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹⊥ = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝜏 = (0.20𝑚)(100𝑁)(𝑠𝑖𝑛60°) = 17.3𝑁𝑚

2. A flywheel of mass 182kg has a radius of 0.62m (assume the flywheel is a hoop).
a. What is the torque required to bring the flywheel from rest to a speed of 120rpm
in an interval of 30 sec?
b. How much work is done in this 30-sec period?

Solution
a. 𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹 = 𝑟(𝑚𝑎) = 𝑟𝑚(𝑟𝛼) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝛼 = (∆𝜔/∆𝑡)
∆𝜔 𝜔𝑓 −𝜔𝑖 𝜔𝑓
𝜏 = 𝑚𝑟 2 ( ) = 𝑚𝑟 2 ( ) = 𝑚𝑟 2 ( ) 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜔𝑖 = 0 (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡)
∆𝑡 ∆𝑡 ∆𝑡
𝑟𝑎𝑑
12.57 𝑠
𝜏 = (182𝑘𝑔)(0.62𝑚) [ ] = 29.31𝑁𝑚
30𝑠

Rememeber to be consistent with the units.

Conversion of the angular velocity 𝜔 in 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠𝑒𝑐:
𝑟𝑒𝑣 2𝜋𝑟𝑎𝑑 1𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝜔𝑓 = (120 )( )( ) = 12.57 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑚𝑖𝑛 1 𝑟𝑒𝑣 60𝑠𝑒𝑐

b. 𝑊 = 𝜏𝜃 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝜃 = 𝜔𝑎𝑣𝑒 ∆𝑡
𝜔𝑖 + 𝜔𝑓 12.57𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠)
𝑊 = 𝜏( ) ∆𝑡 = (29.31𝑁𝑚) ( ) (30𝑠) = 5,526.4𝐽
2 2

3. A 1.20kg disk with a radius of 10.0 cm rolls without slipping. The linear speed of the disk
is 1.41m/s.
a. Find the translational KE.
b. Find the rotational KE.
c. Find the total kinetic energy.

Solution:

1 1
a. 𝐾𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠 = 𝑚𝑣 2 = (1.20𝑘𝑔)(1.41𝑚/𝑠)2 = 1.19𝐽
2 2
1 1 1 𝑣 2 1 1
b. 𝐾𝑟𝑜𝑡 = 𝐼𝜔 = ( 𝑚𝑟 2 ) ( ) = 𝑚𝑣 2 = (1.20𝑘𝑔)(1.41𝑚/𝑠)2 = 0.596𝐽
2
2 2 2 𝑟 4 4
c. 𝐾𝑡𝑜𝑡 = 𝐾𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠 + 𝐾𝑟𝑜𝑡 = 1.19𝐽 + 0.596𝐽 = 1.79𝐽

21
4. A bowling ball that has an 11cm radius and a 7.2kg
mass is rolling without slipping at 2.0m/s on a
horizontal ball return. It continues to roll without
slipping up a hill to a height h before momentarily
coming to rest and then rolling back down the hill.
Model the bowling ball as uniform sphere and
calculate h.

Solution:

Since the problem involves the presence of kinetic 𝐾, and potential energy 𝑈, we use
the conservation of mechanical energy to calculate h.

∆𝐸 = 0 → 𝐸𝑓 − 𝐸𝑖 = 0 → 𝐸𝑓 = 𝐸𝑖
where 𝐸𝑖 = 𝐾𝑖 + 𝑈𝑖 and 𝐸𝑓 = 𝐾𝑓 + 𝑈𝑓

𝐾𝑓 + 𝑈𝑓 = 𝐾𝑖 + 𝑈𝑖
1 1 1
𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 𝑚𝑣𝑓2 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑖 + 𝑚𝑣𝑖2 + 𝐼𝜔2 ; 𝑣𝑓 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖 = 0
2 2 2
1 1 2
𝑚𝑔ℎ𝑓 + 0 = 0 + 𝑚𝑣𝑖2 + 𝐼𝜔2 ; 𝐼𝑠𝑝ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 = 𝑚𝑟 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜔 = 𝑣/𝑟
2 2 5

1 1 2 𝑣 1 1
𝑚𝑣𝑖2 + ( 𝑚𝑟 2 )( )2 𝑚𝑣𝑖2 + 𝑚𝑣 2
ℎ𝑓 = 2 2 5 𝑟 = 2 5
𝑚𝑔 𝑚𝑔

1 2.0𝑚 2 1 2.0𝑚 2
(7.2𝑘𝑔) ( ) + (7.2𝑘𝑔)( )
2 𝑠 5 𝑠
ℎ𝑓 = = 0.29𝑚
9.8𝑚
(7.2𝑘𝑔)( 2 )
𝑠

5. An ice skater with a moment of inertia of 1.2kg.m2 initially

spins at a rate of 1 revolution every 0.8seconds, when
her arms and one leg are extended outward.
a. Find her angular speed
b. Find her angular momentum.
c. When she pulls her arms and legs inward, her
moment of inertia changes to 0.9kg.m2. Find her
angular speed.

Solution:

2𝜋 2𝜋
a. 𝜔 = = = 7.85𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑇 0.8𝑠𝑒𝑐
7.85𝑟𝑎𝑑
b. 𝐿 = 𝐼𝜔 = (1.2𝑘𝑔𝑚2 ) ( ) = 9.42𝑘𝑔. 𝑚2 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑠𝑒𝑐
c. 𝐿𝑓 = 𝐿𝑖 (𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚)
𝐼𝑖 𝜔𝑖 9.42𝑘𝑔.𝑚2 /𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐼𝑓 𝜔𝑓 = 𝐼𝑖 𝜔𝑖 → 𝜔𝑓 = = = 10.47𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝐼𝑓 0.9𝑘𝑔𝑚2

22
 What’s More

Direction.Copy the figure in a separate paper and calculate the mass of each item. Show
your solutions.

23
 What I Have Learned

Direction. Solve the following problems in a separate paper. Show your solutions
systematically and clearly.

1. A 400.0-N sign hangs from the end of a uniform strut. The strut
is 4.0 m long and weighs 600.0 N. The strut is supported by a
hinge at the wall and by a cable whose other end is tied to the
wall at a point 3.0 m above the left end of the strut. Find the
tension in the supporting cable and the force of the hinge on the
strut.

2. A cylinder of mass m and radius R has a

1
moment of inertia of 𝑚𝑟 2 . The cylinder
2
is released from rest at a height ℎ on an
inclined plane, and rolls down the plane
without slipping. What is the velocity of
the cylinder when it reaches the bottom of
the incline?

3. A uniform solid cylinder, sphere, and hoop roll without slipping from rest at the top of an
incline. Find out which object would reach the bottom first.

24
 What I Can Do
It’s undersTORQUEable!

From the lessons learned, list down 3 sports/events that utilizes the concept of Torque and
briefly explain how this concept is used.

Sports/Events Torque Concept

1.

2.

3.

25
Summary
ROTATIONAL KINEMATICS

Angular Displacement θ is the ratio of the arc length (s) to the radius (r) of the circle.
Mathematically, 𝜃 = 𝑠/𝑟
Angular velocity (ω) is defined as the change in angular displacement (θ) per unit of
∆𝜃 𝑣
time (t). In symbol, 𝜔 = ∆𝑡 = 𝑟
The angular acceleration of a rotating object is the rate at which the angular velocity
changes with respect to time and is given by the equation 𝛼 = ∆𝜔/∆𝑡.
If there is angular acceleration, there will also be tangential acceleration
𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 𝑟𝛼 and 𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑 = 𝜔2 𝑟
Analogy between Rotational and Translational Kinematics

ROTATIONAL DYNAMICS

Torque, also called the Moment of Force, is the result of the force that can cause an object
to rotate about an axis. It is a vector quantity. It is the cross product of the vector Force and
the distance from the axis of rotation. Mathematically,𝜏 = 𝑟𝐹𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
The Torque is dependent on the following factors:

1. Magnitude of the Force

2. Lever Arm (Moment Arm) – perpendicular distance of the line of action to the axis of rotation
3. The angle between the Force vector and the lever arm

26
Static equilibrium occurs when an object is at rest – neither rotating nor translating.
For an object to maintain in static equilibrium, the following conditions must be met:

⃑
1. The net force acting on the object must be zero: ∑ 𝐹 =0
2. The net torque acting on the object must be zero: ∑ 𝜏 = 0

To calcula the work done by the torque, we derive it from the translational equation of Work
and is equal to 𝑊 = 𝜏𝜃

1
The Rotational Energy is given by: 𝐾𝐸 = 𝐼𝜔2
2

For motion involving rotarional and translational kinetic energy, the total energy is equal to
1 1
the sum of the two energies. Mathematically, 𝐾𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 2 + 𝐼𝜔2
2 2

Angular momentum is a quantity that tells us how hard it is to change the rotational motion of
a particular spinning body. 𝐿 = 𝐼𝜔 where I is the moment of inertia of the object.
Conservation of Momentum:

“The momentum of a system will not change unless an external torque is applied.”
𝐿𝑓 = 𝐿𝑖 (𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚 = 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚)

27
 Assessment: (Post-Test)
Multiple Choice. Answer the question that follows. Choose the best answer from the given
choices.
1. Why are you more stable when riding a bicycle at a faster speed?
A) You have more mass B) The wheels have angular momentum
C) It's not easier to ride at a faster speed D) The bike has more momentum
2. What does the rotational inertia describe?
A) The average position of mass in an extended object.
B) How the mass of an object is distributed
C) How a force can rotate an object.
D) The tendency of an object to move in a straight line.
3. 2600 rev/min is equivalent to which of the following?
A) 2600 rad/s B) 43.3 rad/s C) 273 rad/s D) 60 rad/s
4. A 0.12-m-radius grinding wheel takes 5.5 s to speed up from 2.0 rad/s to 11.0 rad/s. What
is the wheel's average angular acceleration?
A) 9.6 rad/s/s B) 4.8 rad/s/s C) 3.1 rad/s/s D) 1.6 rad/s/s
5. Suppose you are rotating in a chair with 2 equal masses held in each outstretched hand
and you drop them. What happens to your angular velocity?
A) Increase B) Decrease C) Stays the same D) Is lost
6. When seen from below, the blades of a ceiling fan are seen to be revolving anticlockwise
and their speed is decreasing. Select correct statement about the directions of its angular
velocity and angular acceleration.
A) Angular velocity upwards, angular acceleration downwards
B) Angular velocity downwards, angular acceleration upwards
C) Both angular velocity and angular acceleration upwards
D) Both angular velocity and angular acceleration downwards
7. You exert a force on a friend who is holding a 4.0-m-long rope. Now suppose you exert
the same force on your friend, but the friend is holding an 8.0-m-long rope. How will this
affect the rotational acceleration?
A) It will be quartered B) It will be halved C) It will double D) It will quadruple
8. The figure shows scale drawings of four objects, each of the same mass and uniform
thickness, with the mass distributed
uniformly. Which one has the greatest
moment of inertia when rotated about an
axis perpendicular to the plane of the
drawing at point P?
A B C D
9. A person sits on a freely spinning lab stool that has no friction in its axle. When this person
extends her arms,
A) her moment of inertia increases and her angular speed decreases.
B) her moment of inertia decreases and her angular speed increases.
C) her moment of inertia increases and her angular speed increases.
D) her moment of inertia increases and her angular speed remains the same.
10. What is the rotational kinetic energy of the cylinder at t = 2 s?
A)2.0J B)2.5J C)5.0J D) It cannot be determined without knowing the radius

28
11. A force of magnitude, F is applied to a doorknob and a second force of magnitude, 2F is
applied to the same door at the middle of the door. Both forces are perpendicular to the
door plane. Which of the following is the correct ratio between the torque of the first force
and the torque of the second force? A)1:2 B)1:1 C)2:1 D)4:1
12. A 4.0-kg block travels around a 0.50-m radius circle with an angular velocity of 12 rad/s.
Its angular momentum about the center of the circle is:
A) 12 kg.m2 /s B) 24 kg.m2 /s C) 48 kg.m2 /s D) 6 kg.m2 /s
13. A solid sphere rolling without slipping down an incline has:
A) rotational kinetic energy. B) constant angular momentum.
C) zero external torques. D) translational kinetic energy.
14. A seesaw with mass x is perfectly balanced with a fulcrum in the center. If mass x changes
uniformly does the net torque change?
A) Yes, because the Gravitational force increases with more mass, and torque is related to Force
B) No, because the net torque is still zero despite increases in one of the individual components.
C) No, because it is balanced that means net torque is zero, a uniform increase in weight keeps it
balanced keeping net torque at zero
D) Yes, any increase in weight will increase torque
15. You apply force to a wrench to tighten a bolt. The wrench breaks in half. Select the best
answer for what happens next. Assume the force applied remains constant.
A) The torque is now half of what it was, because torque and distance are inversely proportional
B) The torque is now half of what it was, because torque and distance are directly proportional
C) The torque is now double of what it was, because torque and distance are inversely proportional
D) The torque is now double of what it was, because torque and distance are directly proportional
16. A construction worker is worried about applying too much torque to a bolt using his
wrench. What could he do to reduce his torque on the bolt?
A) Increase the length of the wrench B) Increase the force on wrench
C) Reduce the length of the wrench D) Reduce the friction between the bolt and wrench
17. Which has greater linear speed, a horse near the outside rail of a merry-go-round or a
horse near the inside rail? A) the inside horse B) the outside horse C) Neither
18. Which force produces the greatest torque?
A) 20N with a lever arm of 1m B) 15N with a lever arm of 3m
C) 10 N with a lever arm of 4m D) 8N with a lever arm of 5m
19. A meter stick is balanced. If a 0.5 kg mass is fastened 0.3 m to the left of the fulcrum and
a 0.6 kg mass is fastened 0.25 m to the right of the fulcrum, the meterstick will...
A) rotate counterclockwise (left) B) rotate clockwise (right)
C) remain in balance D) move up and down
20. Which of these objects is in static equilibrium?

29
 Key to Answers
Pre-Test Activity 1. 4. Correct Me If I’m Wrong
1. B
2. C
1. For a rotating wheel for example
3. D
that is speeding up, a point on the
4. C outside covers more
5. C distance(radius) in the same
6. B amount of time as a point closer to
7. C the center. It has a much larger
8. B tangential acceleration than the
9. C portion closer to the axis of
10. A rotation. However, the angular
acceleration of every part of the
wheel is the same because the
Post-Test entire object moves as a rigid body
1. B through the same angle in the
2. B same amount of time. (Answers
3. C vary)
4. D 2. Angular acceleration is the
5. C change in angular velocity divided
6. A by time, while tangential
7. B acceleration is the change in
8. B linear velocity divided by time.
3. The one that sits near the
9. A
outer edge - Both
10. B
11. B
12. A 1. 1167 N; 980 N directed upward
13. A
14. C at 18°18° above the
15. B horizontal
16. C
17. B
18. B
19. C
20. D

Activity 1.2

1. G
2. C
3. D
4. J
5. A
6. E
7. I
8. F
9. B
10. H

Activity 1.3

1. 0.16 rad
2. 4.7 rd/s)
3. 0.5 rd/s2

30
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