Translational and Rotational Motion Study Guide

This flashcard set covers the fundamental vocabulary and kinematic equations for both translational and rotational motion as presented in the Physics Unit 1 lecture.

Translational motion

Occurs when an object changes position from one point to another, such as a jeepney traveling along EDSA or walking to school.

Rotational motion

Happens when an object spins around an axis, such as the blades of the Bangui wind mills, bicycle wheels, or Earth's 24-hour rotation.

Frame of Reference

A set of axes used to describe the position ($x$, $y$, or $z$) and motion of objects in space.

Displacement

The change in an object’s position, denoted as $\text{Δ}x$, $\text{Δ}y$, or $\text{Δ}z$ depending on the axis.

Vector quantity

Any physical quantity that possesses both magnitude and direction.

Average velocity

Describes both how fast and in which direction an object moves relative to a frame of reference.

Average acceleration

The time rate of change of velocity, often measured when an object's speed changes as it moves.

Angular displacement ($\text{Δ}\theta$)

The change between an object’s initial and final angular position.

Angular velocity

The time rate of change of the angular position as an object moves around a circular path.

Average angular acceleration ($\text{α}$)

The time rate of change of angular velocity.

$$v = v_i + at$$

A kinematic equation for uniformly accelerated linear motion where velocity ($v$) depends on initial velocity ($v_i$), acceleration ($a$), and time ($t$).

$$v^2 = v_i^2 + 2a\text{Δ}x$$

A kinematic equation where velocity ($v$) depends on acceleration ($a$) and the change in position ($\text{Δ}x$).

$$\text{Δ}x = v_it + \frac{1}{2}at^2$$

A kinematic equation where position depends on initial velocity ($v_i$), time ($t$), and acceleration ($a$).