Angular Kinetics

Moment of Inertia

Resistance to angular acceleration in rotating bodies; depends on mass and distance from axis.

Knee Angle & Inertia

Extreme knee flexion reduces swinging leg’s moment of inertia in sprinting.

Strength-to-Inertia Ratio

Muscle torque vs. resistance to rotation at a joint; key for performance (e.g., gymnastics).

Angular Momentum

Quantity of angular motion = moment of inertia × angular velocity; influenced by mass distribution.

Tuck Position

Reduces inertia, increases angular velocity when angular momentum is conserved.

Angular Acceleration Example

Golf clubs weighted at head to increase inertia, preventing off-center hits.

Centripetal Force

Force toward the center of rotation; athletes lean into curves to balance torque from this force.