Physics Rotational Motion Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards defining core concepts, formulas, and units of rotational motion and energy from physics lecture notes.

Torque

The turning effect of a force that causes an object to rotate. Formula: $\tau = r F \sin(\theta)$, unit: Newton meter ($\text{N}\cdot\text{m}$).

Angular Acceleration

How fast a spinning object changes its speed of rotation. Formula: $\alpha = \frac{\omega_f - \omega_i}{t}$, unit: $\text{rad/s}^2$.

Rotational Equilibrium

The state where the sum of all external torques acting on an object is zero.

Rotational Dynamics

The study of how forces cause objects to spin or change their rotational motion.

Angular Displacement

The shortest angle through which an object rotates. Formula: $\Delta \theta = \theta_f - \theta_i$, unit: $\text{rad}$.

Angular Position

How far an object has rotated around a center point or axis. Formula: $\theta = \frac{s}{r}$, unit: $\text{rad}$.

Angular Velocity

The rate at which an object spins or rotates around an axis. Formula: $\omega = \frac{\Delta \theta}{\Delta t}$, unit: $\text{rad/s}$.

Relationship Between Torque and Angular Acceleration

The chain of cause and effect in rotational motion: Force $\rightarrow$ torque $\rightarrow$ Angular acceleration $\rightarrow$ Rotation.

Work Done by a Torque

The energy transferred when a torque causes an object to rotate through an angle. Formula: $W = \tau \theta$, unit: Joule ($\text{J}$).

Gravitational PE

Energy stored because of an object's position or height. Formula: $\text{GPE} = mgh$, unit: Joule ($\text{J}$).