Physics 1

TOPIC TITLE: Revolution and Rotation

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the topic session the students are expected to:

Cognitive:
1. Enumerate the different quantities used to describe circular
and rotational motion.
2. Solve problems on uniform circular motion and rotational
motion.
3. Explain the nature of centrifugal force and how it can be
perceived as “force” when it is not a real force.
4. Define the directions of angular velocity, angular acceleration
and torque as vectors.
5. Explain the concept of inertia for rotational motion.
6. Solve problems on rotational equilibrium.
Affective:
1. Work in analyzing motion problems systematically and
diligently
Psychomotor:
1. Perform problem solving method as demonstrated.
2. Sketch diagrams to help in solving motion problems.
3. Visualize the motion of an object or system to aid in the
problem solving process.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT:

o topic slides
o OHP
o paper and pen
o whiteboard and whiteboard marker
o scientific calculator
o student handout

TOPIC PREPARATION:

o Examine this instructor’s guide, the topic slides and the student
handout prior to the lesson. This will give the instructor an idea
on how to deliver the lesson. Some parts might need alteration
depending on the needs of a particular group of students and
the teaching style of instructor.
o Anticipate the questions that the student might ask and be
prepared to answer them.

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 Physics 1

TOPIC PRESENTATION:

This topic is about uniform circular motion and rotational motion. The
sequence of the lecture is as follows:

1. Start the discussion by explaining all our prior assumption in the

study of motion such as pure translational motion. Explain that this
is not the case in real life since there is another type of motion,
called rotational motion.
2. Differentiate rotation and revolution. Explain that in revolution, the
axis is outside the object, while in rotation, the axis is within the
object.
3. Introduce the different angular quantities such as angular
displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration. Explain
the meaning of each and demonstrate mathematically using
Sample Problem 9.1 and Sample Problem 9.2.
4. Explain that the angular velocity and angular acceleration are
vectors. Demonstrate how right-hand rule is used to pinpoint the
direction of angular velocity and angular acceleration as vectors.
Also, explain that angular displacement is not a vector because its
addition is not commutative as what can be expected to any vector.
Demonstrate this by rotating a book 90° to two different axes, then,
exchange the order of axis about which the book rotates.
5. Introduce and explain revolution or circular motion. Explain that a
revolution is caused by a force, called centripetal force that is
always directed towards the center.
6. Demonstrate how to solve for tangential speed, centripetal
acceleration and centripetal force using Sample Problem 9.3.
7. Explain that the so called centrifugal force is not a real force, but
due to inertia resisting change in the direction of motion. Explain
how it can be mistaken as force using examples. Moreover, explain
that even though it is not a real force, it has several applications.
8. Introduce the concept of rotational motion. Describe motions as
pure translation, pure rotation, or being both translation and
rotation.
9. Introduce the concept of rotational inertia. Differentiate it from
inertia in translational motion by explaining that while inertia in
translational motion depends on mass, rotational inertia depends
on distribution of mass in relation to the axis of rotation.
10. Define the center of gravity. Demonstrate how to locate the center
of gravity by balancing some objects available in the classroom on
your finger. Explain that when a force acts on the center of gravity,
it will not rotate.
11. Define and explain the concept of torque. Explain the concept of
cross multiplication and demonstrate how to use right-hand rule to
point the direction of the cross product vector. Then, explain that
torque is a cross-product of force and pivot arm. Introduce
Newton’s 2nd Law for Rotation, which implies that torque and
angular acceleration are always directed to the same direction, just
like force and acceleration. Solve Sample Problem 9.4.
12. Demonstrate how to solve problems using torques and the
condition for rotational equilibrium using Sample Problem 9.5.

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 Physics 1

Sample problems are specialized examples to be used in

demonstrating the steps in solving problem or performing mathematical
operation on a physical quantity. Sample problems are inserted
throughout the instructor’s guide for the purpose of demonstrating the
steps on the white board. Illustrations work in the same way as sample
problems except that they were made to demonstrate a concept rather
than a series of steps.
Problem sets are provided as students hand-out, containing several
problems related to this topic. The instructor may decide which among
these problems s/he would like to use for any of the following
purposes:
• Additional examples to be solved on the board in case the sample
problems are not enough.
• Assignments or homework; the instructor must set-aside some of
the problems to be given as graded assignments.
• Seatworks to be answered by students during the class. During
seatwork, students will be given a chance to solve problems under
the guidance of the instructor. The students are free to ask the
instructor questions while solving the problem for clarification. The
instructor can use the seatworks to determine if the students
indeed understand the concepts being taught or if there is a need
for remedial or clarification. The seatworks are part of the teaching
process, and it is highly recommended that these should not be
graded.
Additional examples and seatworks are optional. However, there must
be problems allocated as assignment.

Revolution and Rotation, [ See Revolution and Rotation, Page 1 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
Introduction
Revolution and
Rotation During the previous week’s lecture, we describe motion as a straight
line vectors or as series of several straight line vectors. Displacement,
Axis
™ A line about which a circular motion or
velocity, acceleration and force are understood to be towards one
rotational motion takes place. particular direction.
Rotational Motion / Rotation
™ Motion that involves change in orientation in
space. Another assumption in the previous discussions about motion is that
™ The axis is inside the body of the object.
the motion is purely translational. Meaning, each particle that made-up
Circular Motion / Revolution
the moving object has the same velocity and acceleration as any other
™ Motion along a circular path.
™ The axis is outside the body of the object. particle. For example, if a car is traveling at 65 m/s 33° S of W, then,
axis axis the side mirrors, the wind shield and all other parts of the car are also
traveling at 65 m/s 33° S of W.

While there are several cases wherein pure translational motion is a

Revolution Rotation very good approximation, there are types of motion wherein this
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 1 of 19
approximation is not sufficient.

For this week, we will discuss two related topics, circular motion and
rotational motion. Circular motion, or revolution, happens when an
object traverses a circular path. Rotational motion, or simply rotation,
happens when an object changes its orientation in space.

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 Physics 1

Revolution and rotation

An axis is a line about which circular motion or rotational motion

occurs. The axis of the earth as it rotates is a line running from the
north pole to the south pole. The axis of a carousel is a vertical line that
runs through its center. The location of the axis determines whether an
object is undergoing a revolution or rotation. When the axis is located
within the body of the object the motion is called rotation. Examples of
such kind of motion is the motion of the whole carousel, the spinning
compact discs, spinning wheels, steering wheel, turntable, cylinders
rolling on its side, and motion of the earth around its axis. When the
axis is outside the body of the object, the motion is called revolution.
The motion of the planets around the sun, the motion of the play-
horses on the carousel, even the solar system and the galaxies are
believed to be revolving around an axis.

axis axis

Revolution Rotation

Angular Quantities, [ See Angular Quantities, Pages 2 and 3 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
Angular Quantities
Angular
Quantities Since the only difference between revolution and rotation is the position
of axis, both of them can be described by the same quantities, angular
Angular Position ( θ ) displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration. You can think
™ Denotes the orientation of object in space
(rotation). of rotation as simply the revolution of particles that made-up the objects
™ Direction of the displacement vector drawn from
the axis to the location of the object (rotation).
around the axis. If you place a coin on top and near the edge of
Angular Displacement ( ∆θ ) roulette, vinyl record, or anything that is flat and spinning, the coin is
™ Change in angular position. undergoing circular motion. Spiral galaxies, such as Milkyway and
™ Difference between initial ( θ i ) and final ( θ f )
angular positions.
Andromeda Galaxies are rotating, but the individual stars are revolving.
∆θ = θ f – θ i

Angular Position/Displacement
θf
θf
θi θi
The angular position ( θ ) of an object denotes the orientation of the
object in space in reference to a particular coordinate system. The
change in angular position is called the angular displacement ( ∆θ ),
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 2 of 19 which can be computed as:
∆θ = θ f – θ i 9.1

where θ f and θ i are the final and initial angular positions respectively.
Angular position in itself does not make sense because the coordinate
system is arbitrarily defined. On Earth, we can tell if a glass is standing
or turned upside down, but in outer space, there is no reference from
where we can tell if the glass is standing or upside down. However,
angular displacement does not depend on any arbitrarily assigned
coordinate system. It only depends on the difference between the initial
and final angle.

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 Physics 1

θf
θf
θi θi

Angular Quantities,
Page 3 of 19

Physics 1
Revolution Rotation
Angular
For objects that are revolving, the angular position denotes the
Quantities
direction of the displacement vector drawn from the axis to the location
Angular Velocity ( ω )
of the object. Similar to orientation of the object, the direction of the
™ Rate of change in object’s angular position
™ Angular displacement per unit of time t. displacement vector also depends on an arbitrarily assigned coordinate
ω=
∆θ system.
t

Angular Acceleration ( α )
™ Rate at which the angular velocity changes:

α=
ωf − ωi Angular Velocity
t
where ω f and ω i are the final and initial
angular velocities respectively. The rate of change in the object’s angular position is called angular
velocity ( ω ). It is the angular displacement per unit of time t.
∆θ 9.2
ω=
t
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Angular Acceleration

Angular acceleration ( α ) is the rate at which the angular velocity

changes. It can be computed using the formula:
ωf − ω i 9.3
α=
t
where ω f and ωi are the final and initial angular velocities
respectively.

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 Physics 1

Angular Quantities, [ See Angular Quantities, Page 4 of 19 ]

Page 4 of 19

Physics 1
Sample Problem 9.1: Angular Velocity
Angular
Quantities Find the angular velocity of a sprinter that makes two laps around an
oval in 10.0 minutes.
Sample Problem 9.1: Angular Velocity

Find the angular veloci ty of a sprinter that makes

two laps around an oval in 10.0 minutes. Solution:
The given quantities are as follows:
Sample Problem 9.2: Angular Acceleration

A compact disc makes 500 revolutions per minute. ∆θ = 2(2π rad) = 4π rad t = (10.0)60 = 600 s ω=?
If the CD accelerates uniformly in 4.0 seconds from
rest, what is its angular acceleration?
Substituting the given to the equation:
θ 4πrad 4(3.1416 )rad
ω = = =
t 600 600
ω = 0.021 rad/s

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Sample Problem 9.2: Angular Acceleration

A compact disc makes 500 revolutions per minute. If the CD

accelerates uniformly in 4.0 seconds from rest, what is its angular
acceleration?

Solution:
The given quantities are as follows:
ωf = 500 rev/min (2π rad/ 1 rev) (1 min/60 seconds) = 52.4 rad/s
ωi = 0 because it started from rest.
t = 4.0 s
α=?
θ=?
Substituting the given to the equation:
ωf − ω i
α =
t
52.4 − 0
=
4
α = 13.1 rad/s2

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 Physics 1

Angular Quantities, [ See Angular Quantities, Page 5 of 19 ]

Page 5 of 19

Physics 1
Angular Quantities as Vectors
Angular
Quantities In the previous discussions, we learned that displacement, velocity and
acceleration are vectors. Along one dimension, we need only the
Angular Quantities as Vectors
positive (+) and negative (–) signs to indicate the direction of a vector
™ Angular velocity and angular acceleration are
vectors. The angular velocity vector is along
quantity.
the axis and its direction can be determined
using right-hand rule.
Angular quantities, such as angular displacement, angular velocity and
™ If the angular velocity is increasing, then
angular acceleration is to the same direction as
angular velocity.
angular acceleration, are difficult to imagine as vectors because we do
™ If the angular velocity is decreasing, then not see anything directed towards one particular direction, unlike
angular acceleration is to the direction
opposite that of angular velocity. displacement, velocity and acceleration.
Angular velocity and angular acceleration are vectors. However, these
vectors lie normal to the plane of motion and along the axis. We can
determine the directions of angular velocity and angular acceleration
using the right-hand rule. If you curl your right hand as if you are
grabbing the axis, and you curled your fingers pointing in the direction
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
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of rotation, then your thumb is pointing to the direction of angular
velocity.

Using right-hand rule in determining the direction of angular velocity.

(Source: Halliday et al, 1997)

If the angular velocity is increasing, then it has the same direction as

the angular acceleration. If the angular velocity is decreasing, then its
direction is opposite that of angular acceleration.

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 Physics 1

Angular Quantities, [ See Angular Quantities, Page 6 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
If we are considering the motion along two dimensions, angular velocity
Angular and angular acceleration vectors are considered lying along the “third”
Quantities dimension. If the motion is counterclockwise and along the plane of the
paper on which you are looking down, the vector is positive and
Angular Quantities as Vectors
pointing towards you and away from the paper. If the motion is
™ If the motion is along the plane of paper,
angular velocity and angular acceleration clockwise, the vector is negative and pointing away from you and
vectors are perpendicular to the paper.
towards the paper.

y y

x x

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Counterclockwise motion Clockwise motion

positive (+) vector negative (–) vector

In the notation above, the circle with dot at the center indicates an
arrow that is pointing away from the paper, while the circle with X
inside indicates the tail of an arrow that is pointing towards the paper.

Angular Quantities, [ See Angular Quantities, Page 7 of 19 ]

Page 7 of 19

Now, for the caution. Angular displacement is not a vector quantity.

This arises from the fact that angular displacement, unlike vectors, is
Physics 1

Angular
Quantities not commutative. Meaning, if you add vectors, the sum will be the
same regardless of the order of which they were added. Angular
Angular Quantities as Vectors
displacement does not exhibit this.
™ Angular displacement is not a vector quantity.
Addition of angular displacements are not
commutative.
To see this, place a book flat on a table as shown in the leftmost figure
below. Then turn it by two successive 90° angular displacements, first
about the x-axis (horizontal), then about the y-axis (vertical). You
should end-up with the rightmost figure below.

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Source: Halliday et al, 1997

Now, return the book to its initial position. Turn it again by two
successive 90°. This time, turn it about the y-axis first, then about the
x-axis. You shall end-up with a different orientation; the one on the right
below.

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 Physics 1

Source: Halliday et al, 1997

Angular displacement, if very small, can be treated as vector. However,

dealing with such very small vector requires the use of calculus, which
is not a prerequisite of this course.

Uniform Circular Motion, [ See Uniform Circular Motion, Page 8 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
Uniform Circular Motion
Uniform
Circular Motion An object is said to be undergoing uniform circular motion if it travels
along a circular path with constant speed. It implies that the angular
Uniform Circular Motion
velocity of the object is constant.
™ Movement of an object along a circular path
with constant speed and constant angular
velocity. Since the object moves along a circular path, we cannot say that its
Tangential speed velocity is not constant (despite constant speed and constant angular
™ Speed of the object along a circular path: velocity). It follows that the object undergoes acceleration and is acted
v=
∆θr
t
upon by a force.
where v is the tangential speed, r is the
radius of the circular path and t is the time. Aside from angular velocity, there are other quantities involved in
dealing with uniform circular motion. These are tangential speed,
centripetal acceleration and centripetal force.

Tangential Speed

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Tangential speed (v) is the speed of the object (in m/s, km/hr or any
dimensionally similar unit) along a circular path. It can be computed
using the formula.
∆θr 9.4
v=
t
where ∆θ is the angular displacement expressed in radians, r is the
radius of the circular path and t is the time. Note that the numerator,
the product of r and ∆θ is a distance along the circular path, or the arc
length. This makes equation 9.4 exactly the same as v = d/t.

arc length

∆θ

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 Physics 1

Uniform Circular Motion, [ See Uniform Circular Motion, Page 9 of 19 ]

Page 9 of 19

Physics 1
Using equation 9.2, we can rewrite equation 9.4 as:
Uniform ∆θ
Circular Motion v= r
t
Tangential speed v = ωr 9.5
™ Other equations:
A slightly different formula can be used by considering one complete
v = ωr
circular motion.
2πr
v=
T 2πr 9.6
v= = 2πrf
v = 2πrf T
where T is the period of revolution, the time
it takes for the object to complete one
revolution, and f is the frequency, the
Where T is the period of revolution and f is the frequency. Equation 9.6
number of revolutions per unit of time. is simply a modification of equation 9.4. A period of revolution is
1
defined as the amount of time required to complete the circular path.
f=
T Completing the circular path implies that the angular displacement
is ∆θ = 2π . Frequency is defined as the number of complete turns per
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
unit of time, which is simply the reciprocal of period.
Page 9 of 19

1
f=
T

Uniform Circular Motion, [ See Uniform Circular Motion, Page 10 of 19 ]

Page 10 of 19

Physics 1
Centripetal Acceleration
Uniform
Circular Motion Since the velocity of an object traveling along a circular path is not
constant, it follows that it undergoes acceleration. This acceleration is
Centripetal Acceleration (ac) called centripetal acceleration (ac). Centripetal acceleration is never
™ Acceleration of object moving in circular path.
constant. It always changes its direction. While it is always directed
™ Always directed towards the center. towards the center, it is always pointing away from the object. As the
object moves, the centripetal acceleration changes its direction but
™ It is not denoted as vector because its direction
is never constant. remains directed to the axis.

ac
™ Equations:
ac ac
v2 4π 2 r
ac = ω 2 r
ac =
r
ac =
T 2
ac ac
ac
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The direction of centripetal acceleration changes as the object travels

in circular path, but always directed towards the center.

The formulae for finding the centripetal acceleration are:

v2
ac = 9.7
r
ac = ω 2 r 9.8

4π 2 r
ac = 9.9
T2

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 Physics 1

The equations above were derived from at = vf – vi. However, it

requires knowledge of derivatives to be able to derive equations 9.7,
9.8 and 9.9 from at = vf – vi. Hence, we shall skip the derivation of
these equations.

Uniform Circular Motion, [ See Uniform Circular Motion, Page 11 of 19 ]

Page 11 of 19

Physics 1
Centripetal Force
Uniform
Circular Motion Based on Newton’s Second Law, there can be no acceleration unless
there is a force that causes that acceleration. The force that causes an
Centripetal Force(Fc) object to undergo centripetal acceleration is called centripetal force
™ Force that causes the object to move in
circular path.
(Fc). Similar to any force and resulting acceleration, the direction of
™ Always have the same direction as ac; always
directed towards the center.
centripetal force is always the same as centripetal acceleration, and
™ Denoted as Fc; it is not denoted as vector the magnitude of centripetal force can be obtained by multiplying
because its direction is never constant.
™ Equations:
centripetal acceleration with the mass of the object undergoing circular
Fc = mac Fc =
mv 2 motion.
r

Fc = mω 2 r
4π 2 r
Fc = m 2
T
According to Newton’s Second Law:
Sample Problem 9.3: Tangential speed and
centripetal force
F = ma
A 0.035-kg pebble is made to whirl in a circular
path at the end of a 1.00 m string. What is the Thus, centripetal acceleration can be obtained as:
tangential velocity if the pebble makes one
revolution in 1.50 s? What is the centripetal
acceleration? What is tension in the string? Fc = mac 9.10
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mv 2 9.11
Fc =
r
Fc = m ω 2 r 9.12

4π 2 r 9.13
Fc = m
T2
Note that in equations 9.7–9.13, we did not denote ac and Fc as vectors
(bold font or arrow on top). The reason is that, as already stated, ac
and Fc constantly changes their direction during the entire course of
circular motion. Hence, we are usually interested only in their
magnitudes.

Sample Problem 9.3: Tangential speed and centripetal force

A 0.035 kg pebble is made to whirl in a circular path at the end of a

1.00 m string. What is the tangential velocity if the pebble makes
one revolution in 1.50 s? What is the centripetal acceleration? What
is the tension in the string?

Solution:
The given quantities are:
m = 0.035 kg r = 1.0 m T = 1.50 s;
v =? ac = ? Fc = ?
Since the period of revolution is given, we can use equation 9.6:
2πr
v=
T

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 Physics 1

2(3.14159 K)(1.00m)
v=
1.50 s
= 4.18879 m/s
v = 4.19 m/s
To solve for centripetal acceleration, we can use equation
v2
ac =
r
( 4.18879 m/s)2
=
1.00 m
= 17.54596 m/s2
ac = 17.6 m/s2
To solve for centripetal force, we can use equation
Fc = mac
= (0.035 kg)( 17.54596 m/s2)
= 0.6141086 kg m/s2
Fc = 0.614 N
Note that we only round-off the final answers, and we do not use
rounded-off answer as part of the solution to the next problem.

Uniform Circular Motion, [ See Uniform Circular Motion, Page 12 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
Centrifugal Force, not a real force
Uniform
Circular Motion Centrifugal force is a force that is directed away from the center of the
circle. This is not a real force, but felt by people or things moving in
Centrifugal Force
circular path. This so called force is an effect of inertia. The object
™ Not a real force, but ex perienced as if they are
acting force. moving in circular motion tends to resists the centripetal force and
™ Arises due to inertia; objects under the
influence of centri petal force tends to resists
tends to move in straight path.
centripetal force and move in straight path.
™ An example of this is when you are riding a fast If you are riding inside a fast moving car, and suddenly the car made a
moving car that suddenly made a sharp turn;
you feel as if a “force” pushes you against the sharp turn (an incomplete circular motion with small radius), you feel a
wall of the car. In fact, it is just the inertia of
your body resisting the change in direction. force that pushes you to the wall of the car. This is not a force, but
™ Centrifugal motion has so many applications,
some of them are:
inertia. As the car changes its direction, your body tends to continue
ƒ Centrifuge, a laboratory equi pment in
chemistry that separates the components
moving in straight line. This is the same when the car moving in
of a solution. straight path suddenly stops, you felt a force pushing you to move
ƒ Simulation of gravity in space stations.
forwards when there is none. It is only the resistance of your body to
change its state of motion.
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The centrifugal “force”, although not a real force, has so many
applications. In chemistry, there is a laboratory equipment called
centrifuge, which is used in separating the components of a solution. It
works by having several test tubes containing the solution revolve
around a common axis at very high speed. The tendency of the solute
particles to continue moving in straight path causes them to gather at
the bottom of each test tube, thus separating the solute from the
solvent. In space exploration, gravity is simulated by space stations by
having those space stations spin while the crew, most of the time
staying farthest from the axis of spin experiences centrifugal force. The
same “force” experiences by someone riding a car that suddenly made
a sharp turn.

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 Physics 1

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Page 13 of 19 ]

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Physics 1
Rotational Motion
Rotational
Motion Aside from movement along straight, curve or circular path, another
way an object can move is by changing its orientation in space. This
Rotational Motion/Rotation
™ Movement of an object along its axis causing it
movement is called rotational motion, or simply rotation. On the other
to change its orientation in space. hand, the movement along a path is called translational motion.
Translational Motion An object’s motion can be a pure translational motion, pure rotational
™ Movement of an object along a path causing it
to change its location in space. motion, or have both translational and rotational motions at the same
time. A box sliding across a table without spinning has a pure
Examples of motion
translational motion. A globe spinning on its spindle has pure rotational
Pure translational – sliding box without spinning

Pure rotational – globe spinning on its spindle

motion. A billiard ball that is rolling across the billiard table has both
Mixed translational and rotational – rolling billiard
translational and rotational motion.
ball
As mentioned earlier in this lecture, rotation and revolution (circular
motion) are similar because both has an axis or center, and can be
quantified in terms of angular velocity and angular acceleration. The
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 13 of 19
difference is that in revolution, the axis lies outside the object, while in
rotation, the axis lies within the object.

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Page 14 of 19 ]

Page 14 of 19

Physics 1
You can think of rotation as the revolution of particles that made-up the
Rotational rotating object around the object’s axis. The particles that are far from
Motion the axis have greater tangential speed than those that are close to the
axis. However, all particles that made-up the spinning object have the
Rotational Motion/Rotation
™ Can be treated as revolution of particles that
same angular velocity (and angular acceleration) because they move
made-up the object around its axis of rotation. as one whole object.
v1
ω1
v1 Two stickers (smiling faces) were
ω1
v2
ω2 attached on top of a rotating disc.
v2 The stickers have equal angular
ω2 velocity since they are part of the
ω1 = ω2
v1 > v2 disc and rotates with the disc.
However, the tangential velocity of
Two stickers (smiling faces) were attached on top of a
rotating disc. The stickers have equal angular velocity the sticker far from the center is
since they are part of the disc and rotates with the disc.
However, the tangential velocity of the sticker far from greater than the one closer to the
the center is greater than the one closer to the center.
center.
ω1 = ω2
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v1 > v2

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 Physics 1

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Page 15 of 19 ]

Page 15 of 19

Physics 1
Rotational Inertia
Rotational
Motion In our discussion on motion we learned about inertia. We described it
as the resistance of an object to a change in its state of motion. Its
Rotational Inertia
measure is the amount of matter in an object or it’s mass. A similar law
™ Property of matter to resist any change in its
state of rotational motion exists for rotational motion. Any object possesses a resistance to a
™ Depends on the distribution of mass in relation
to the axis.
change in its state of rotational motion. If an object is not rotating, it will
™ The farther is the bulk of mass from the axis remain to be “at rest” (meaning, without rotation) unless an outside
the greater is the rotational inertia
™ Newton’s Second Law for Rotation influence acts on it. An object that is rotating at constant angular
τ = Iα velocity will remain rotating at constant angular velocity unless an
where I is the rotational inertia, τ is the
torque and α is the angular acceleration. outside influence acts on it.
Center of gravity
This outside influence is called torque (τ). We shall discuss torque in
™ A point within the object which when used as a
pivot point will result in balanced torque and the next section. For now, we will discuss rotational inertia. Rotational
hence will not cause any rotation
™ May lie at a point within the object where inertia (I) is the tendency of objects to resist change in motion. The
there is no mass
Examples: glass, cup, chair, doughnut
relation between torque and rotational inertia can be expressed using
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Newton’s Second Law for Rotational Motion.
Page 15 of 19

τ = Iα
where α is angular acceleration, as we discussed earlier. Similar to
mass, rotational inertia is also a scalar quantity. Similar to force and
acceleration, torque and angular acceleration are always directed
toward the same direction. Meaning, if we restrict the motion in two
dimensional plane of this paper, torque will be a vector that is
perpendicular to the paper.
Unlike inertia in the linear sense, the measure of rotational inertia does
not depend on the amount of matter present in an object. Rather it
depends on the distribution of mass. That means the greater is the
distance between the bulk of the mass and the axis of rotation, the
greater is the rotational inertia.
Try flipping a pencil about its midpoint. Compare the ease when it is
flipped about one of its ends. Flipping it at its end is more difficult
because the bulk of the mass is farther from the axis of rotation that it
is when it is flipped at its center.
When a hollow and a solid cylinder of the same mass and radius are
made to roll on an incline at the same time they will not reach the
bottom of the incline at the same time. One will reach that point earlier
than the other. Due to a difference in the configuration of their mass,
they have unequal rotational inertia. Obviously since they have the
same mass the mass of the hollow cylinder is farther from the axis of
rotation. This will give the hollow cylinder greater rotational inertia. And
since greater rotational inertia means greater “laziness” or less
tendency to rotate the effect is that it lags behind on its way to the
bottom. So it is surpassed by the solid cylinder on the way down. The
mass of the solid cylinder is relatively closer to the axis of rotation than
is the mass of the hollow cylinder. This gives it less rotational inertia
and thus greater tendency to rotate.
Rotational inertia is not necessarily a fixed quantity. It may change
depending on the chosen axis of rotation an object is made to rotate.

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Page 14 of 18
 Physics 1

Center of Gravity

A very common form of rotational motion due to unbalanced torque is

toppling. When an object is made to freely turn on an axis, it does so
because the clockwise torque is not equal to the counterclockwise
torque. But surely in any object, there is a point within the object which
when used as a pivot point will result in balanced torque and hence will
not cause any rotation. This point is called the object’s center of
gravity. The center of gravity of a meterstick for instance is at its center
such that when you let it hung by a string at that point, the stick will
balance or will not rotate. The center of gravity of a sphere is at its
center. But when a ball is half full of sand its center of gravity is shifted
lower into the part with sand. Sometimes the center of gravity may be
located at a point where there is no mass. A doughnut has its center of
gravity at the center. A balloon’s center of gravity is also at its center
where there no mass. A glass or a cup has its center of gravity
somewhere inside above the base. When an object is hung at points
not in the center of gravity, the object will topple.

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Page 16 of 19 ]

Page 16 of 19

Physics 1
Torque
Rotational
Motion When an object experiences an unbalanced force of some kind it is
expected to accelerate. But if such force is made to apply on a specific
Cross Multiplication
part of the object that is free to rotate, the body experiences a torque
™ A type of vector multiplication where the product
of two vectors a and b is another vector c, such that will cause it to rotate. Torque depends on two quantities, the force
that c lies perpendicular to the plane of a and b.
c=a×b
and the lever arm. Before we discuss the concept of torque, let us first
™ The magnitude of c is determined by the formula: discuss cross multiplication.
c = ab sin θ
where θ is the angle between a and b. A cross multiplication is a type of vector multiplication (the other one is
™ Direction is determined by right-hand rule.
the dot product multiplication which we already discussed) where the
™ Cross multiplication is not commutative.
Changing the order of which the vectors were product of two vectors a and b is another vector c, such that c lies
multiplied will change the product.
perpendicular to the plane of a and b.
c=a×b
The magnitude of c is determined by the formula:
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 16 of 19
c = ab sin θ
where θ is the angle between a and b. The direction is determined by
right-hand rule. Cross multiplication is not commutative. Changing the
order of which the vectors were multiplied will change the product. For
two vectors, reversing the order of multiplication inverts the product.

z –x z –x
c
y y

–y b –y b
θ θ
a
x a x –c –z
–z

c=a×b –c = b × a

Revolution and Rotation *Property of STI

Page 15 of 18
 Physics 1

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Page 17 of 19 ]

Page 17 of 19

Physics 1
The torque (τ) is the cross-product of force and lever arm. The force
Rotational acts at a certain distance away from the axis. This distance, called
Motion lever arm, is the distance from the point where the force is acting to the
axis.
Torque (τ)

™ Force acting at a certain distance away from

As a vector, the lever arm is directed towards the axis.
the axis; this distance is called lever arm.
™ The cross-product of force and lever arm: τ=F×r
τ=F×r τ = Fr sinθ
where F is the force, r is the lever arm and θ
is the angle between them.
τ = Fr sinθ
™ The unit of torque is newton-meter (N-m) but
it is not the same thing as joules. where F is the force, r is the lever arm and θ is the angle between the
force and the lever arm.
Fx

Sample Problem 9.4: Torque

F
You pull the door open with a perpendicular force
of 10.0 N. Your hand is 0.400 m away from the door
Fy
hinge. How much torque is produced?

θ
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 17 of 19

The unit for torque is newton-meter (N-m). This unit as you would see
is the same as the unit for work. But torque and work are two totally
different quantities. Work is caused by force acting along the direction
of the displacement while torque is caused by a force perpendicular to
the lever arm. For this reason, we do not express torque as joules. We
retain it to newton-meter.

Sample Problem 9.4: Torque

You pull the door open with a perpendicular force of 10.0 N. Your
hand is 0.400 m away from the door hinge. How much torque is
produced?

Solution:
The given quantities are:
F = 10.0 N r = 0.400 m τ=?
Since the exact direction of force and lever arm were not given, we
may ignore the vector properties of torque and focus only on its
magnitude.
τ =F×r
τ = Fr sinθ
= (10.0)(0.4) sin 90°
τ = 4.00 N-m

Revolution and Rotation *Property of STI

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 Physics 1

Rotational Motion, [ See Rotational Motion, Pages 18 and 19 of 19 ]

Page 18 of 19

Physics 1
Rotational Equilibrium
Rotational
Motion In translational equilibrium, we only
consider the magnitude and direction of
Rotational Equilibrium forces acting on the object. With this
assumption, the bottle on the left should
not move at all if it is initially at rest. In real
life however, this bottle will not stay at rest.
It will topple down.
™ An object is in rotational equilibrium if the sum In rotational equilibrium, we consider not only the magnitude and
of all torques acting on it is zero.
direction of force. The exact point on which the force is acting is of
τ NET = τ 1 + τ 2 + τ 3 + K = 0 equal importance. The outside influence that controls is not only the
force; it is the torque which has overall influence on rotational motion.
™ If an object is in rotational equilibrium, it is
either not rotating, or rotating at constant
angular velocity. A body is in rotational equilibrium if the sum of all torques (τNET) acting
on it is zero.
τ NET = τ 1 + τ 2 + τ 3 + K = 0
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 18 of 19

Rotational Motion,
Page 19 of 19
Sample Problem 9.5: Rotational Equilibrium

Physics 1 At what distance from the center of the seesaw should a man
Rotational weighing 75.0 kg sit in order to balance the seesaw while a 30.0 kg
Motion child is sitting on the other side 2.0m away from the center?
Rotational Equilibrium
30.0 kg 75.0 kg
Sample Problem 9.5: Rotational Equilibrium

At what distance from the center of the seesaw

should a man weighing 75.0 kg sit in order to
balance the seesaw while a 30.0 kg child is sitting 2.0m ?
on the other side 2.0m away from the center?

30.0 kg 75.0 kg Solution:

2.0m ?
The given quantities are:
Fman = (75.0 kg)(9.8 m/s2) = 735 N
Fchild = (30.0 kg)(9.8 m/s2) = 294 N
rchild = 2.0 m
rman =?
Revolution and Rotation * Property of STI
Page 19 of 19

Using the condition of rotational equilibrium:

τnet = τman + τchild = 0
τman = –τchild
The magnitude of the child’s torque is positive because looking at
the diagram, we can see that the child’s weight can cause
counterclockwise motion. We can also see from the diagram that the
angles between both forces and their respective lever arms are 90°.
Fmanrman sin90° = Fchildrchild sin90°
(735 N)rman (1) = –(294 N)(2.0 m)(1)
(294 N )(2.0 m )
rman =
735 N
rman = 0.80 m

Revolution and Rotation *Property of STI

Page 17 of 18
 Physics 1

EVALUATION/GENERALIZATION:

Distribute the student handout Problem Set No. 9. Select some of the
problems as assignment.

Quiz No. 8 shall be conducted on the last 15 minutes of the last

session for the week.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Halliday, D., Resnick, R. & Walker, J., (1997), Fundamentals of

Physics (Fifth ed.), New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

Tayao, A. G., Santos, G.N.C. & Ocampo, J.P. Jr., (1996), Science and
Technology IV: Physics, Manila, Rex Book Store.

Revolution and Rotation *Property of STI

Page 18 of 18