Rotational Motion

By
Jenish Bhaveshkumar Suthar

Guided by
Dr. Rahul Dubey
Msc. B.Ed., M.Phil., P.hD.
P.G.T. Physics
Tapovan International School,
Mehsana

A Project Report towards

Partial fulfillment of credit for the physics
Practical evaluation of CBSE 2025

Department of Physics
Tapovan International School,
Ahmedabad-Mehsana Express Highway
Dholasan road.
P.O.- Linch:384435,
Gujarat,INDIA.
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Jenish Bhaveshkumar Suthar, student of Class XI, Tapovan
International School; Mehsana has completed the project titled Rotational
Motion during the academic year 2024-2025 towards partial fulfillment of credit
for the Physics practical evaluation of CBSE 2025, and submitted satisfactory
report, as compiled in the following pages, under my supervision.

Guide: Principal

Dr. Rahul Dubey Mrs. Jincy Anandan

Msc., B.Ed., M.Phil., P.hD. Principal,
P.G.T. Physics Tapovan International
Tapovan International School School
Mehsana Mehsana

External Examiner:

Date: Place: Mehsana

School seal
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and above all, I would like to praise and extend my thanks to
Almighty God for giving me the opportunity and granting me the
strength, the patience, the knowledge and for guiding me through my
struggles to help me accomplish this task with success.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my physics mentor Dr.

Rahul Dubey (P.G.T. Physics), for his vital support, guidance and
encouragement, without which this project would not have come forth. I
would also like to express my gratitude to the other staff of the
Department of Physics for their support during the making of this
project.
 I. Introduction
II. Fundamental Concepts
III. Kinematics of Rotational Motion
IV. Torque
V. Moment of Inertia
VI. Angular Momentum
VII. Work and Energy in Rotational Motion
VIII. Rolling Motion
IX. Gyroscopic Motion
X. Non-rigid Body Rotation
XI. Conclusion
Rotational motion, the movement of an object around a fixed axis, is a
fundamental concept in physics with profound implications across
various domains, from the celestial mechanics governing planetary
orbits to the intricate workings of everyday machinery. This
comprehensive review delves into the intricate details of rotational
motion, exploring its fundamental principles, key parameters, and
diverse applications. We will meticulously examine the concepts of
angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration, elucidating their
relationships with linear motion and the underlying mathematical
frameworks. Furthermore, we will delve into the pivotal roles of
torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum in governing
rotational dynamics, analyzing their interconnections and deriving key
equations. Finally, we will explore the multifaceted applications of
rotational motion in various fields, including mechanics, astronomy,
engineering, and everyday life, highlighting its significance in
technological advancements and our understanding of the universe.
Rotational motion, unlike linear motion where an object moves in a straight
line, involves the movement of an object around a fixed axis. This seemingly
simple definition belies the rich complexity of rotational phenomena,
encompassing a wide range of physical principles and applications. From the
majestic dance of celestial bodies orbiting around each other to the intricate
workings of a spinning top, rotational motion permeates our universe.

Understanding rotational motion is crucial for comprehending a vast array of

physical systems. It provides the framework for analyzing the behavior of
rotating machinery, from the gears in a bicycle to the turbines in power plants.
In astronomy, it is essential for understanding planetary orbits, the rotation of
stars, and the dynamics of galaxies. Even at the microscopic level, rotational
motion plays a vital role in the behavior of molecules and atoms.

This comprehensive review aims to provide a deep dive into the intricate details
of rotational motion, unraveling its underlying principles and exploring its far-
reaching implications. We will begin by establishing the fundamental concepts
that underpin rotational motion, including angular displacement, velocity, and
acceleration. Subsequently, we will delve into the dynamics of rotational
motion, exploring the pivotal roles of torque, moment of inertia, and angular
momentum. Finally, we will explore the diverse applications of rotational
motion in various fields, highlighting its significance in technological
advancements and our understanding of the universe.
Before delving into the intricacies of rotational dynamics, it is crucial to establish a firm
grasp of the fundamental concepts that underpin this type of motion. These foundational
concepts provide the language and framework for describing and analyzing rotational
phenomena.

2.1 Angular Displacement:

Definition: Angular displacement (θ) is defined as the angle traversed by a rotating object
around its axis of rotation. It is a measure of the change in the object's orientation.

Units: Angular displacement is typically measured in radians (rad). One radian is defined as
the angle subtended by an arc on the circumference of a circle that is equal in length to the
radius of the circle.

Relationship with Linear Displacement: Angular displacement is directly related to linear

displacement (s) by the equation: θ = s/r, where r is the radius of the circular path.

2.2 Angular Velocity:

Definition: Angular velocity (ω) is the rate of change of angular displacement. It quantifies
how quickly an object is rotating.

Units: Angular velocity is typically measured in radians per second (rad/s).

Mathematical Representation: Mathematically, angular velocity is defined as the derivative

of angular displacement with respect to time: ω = dθ/dt.

2.3 Angular Acceleration:

Definition: Angular acceleration (α) is the rate of change of angular velocity. It describes
how quickly the rotational speed of an object is changing.

Units: Angular acceleration is typically measured in radians per second squared (rad/s²).

Mathematical Representation: Mathematically, angular acceleration is defined as the

derivative of angular velocity with respect to time: α = dω/dt.
Kinematics of rotational motion deals with the description of rotational motion without
considering the forces that cause it. It focuses on establishing relationships between
angular displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.

3.1 Equations of Rotational Motion:

The kinematic equations of rotational motion are analogous to the familiar kinematic
equations of linear motion. For constant angular acceleration, these equations are:

 ω = ω₀ + αt
 θ = ω₀t + ½αt²
 ω² = ω₀² + 2αθ

where ω₀ is the initial angular velocity, ω is the final angular velocity, α is the angular
acceleration, θ is the angular displacement, and t is the time.

These equations provide a powerful framework for analyzing the motion of rotating objects
with constant angular acceleration, enabling us to predict the angular displacement,
velocity, and acceleration at any given time.

3.2 Relating Linear and Rotational Quantities:

Linear and rotational motion are intimately connected. For a point on a rotating object, the
linear velocity (v) is related to the angular velocity (ω) by the equation: v = ωr, where r is
the distance of the point from the axis of rotation.

Similarly, the linear acceleration of a point on a rotating object has two components:

Tangential acceleration (aₜ ): Directed tangentially to the circular path, responsible for
changes in the magnitude of the linear velocity. It is related to angular acceleration by: aₜ =
αr.

Radial acceleration (aᵣ): Directed towards the center of the circle, responsible for the
change in direction of the linear velocity. It is given by: aᵣ = v²/r = ω²r.
Definition:

 Torque is the rotational equivalent of force in linear motion.

 It's a measure of the ability of a force to cause rotation around an axis.
 Torque depends on both the magnitude of the force and its distance from the axis of
rotation.

Mathematical Representation:

 τ=rxF

where:

 τ: Torque (vector quantity)

 r: Position vector from the axis of rotation to the point where the force is applied
 F: Force vector

In simpler terms, for a force applied perpendicular to the lever arm (the distance from the
axis of rotation):

 τ = r * F * sin(θ)

where θ is the angle between the force vector and the lever arm.

Units: Newton-meter (N·m)

Significance:

Newton's Second Law for Rotation:

 τ_net = I * α

where:

 τ_net: Net torque acting on the object

 I: Moment of inertia of the object
 α: Angular acceleration

This equation is analogous to Newton's second law for linear motion (F = ma), where torque
is analogous to force, moment of inertia is analogous to mass, and angular acceleration is
analogous to linear acceleration.

Examples: Tightening a bolt with a wrench: The longer the wrench, the greater the torque
applied for the same force.
Definition:

 Moment of inertia is a crucial property of a rotating object that quantifies its

resistance to changes in its rotational motion.
 It's analogous to mass in linear motion, where mass resists changes in linear motion
(Newton's Second Law: F = ma).
 In rotational motion, moment of inertia resists changes in angular velocity.

Factors Influencing Moment of Inertia:

 Mass:

 A larger mass generally leads to a larger moment of inertia.

 Intuitively, it makes sense that a more massive object is harder to spin or stop
spinning.

 Mass Distribution:

 How the mass is distributed relative to the axis of rotation significantly impacts
the moment of inertia.
 Mass concentrated further from the axis of rotation results in a larger moment
of inertia.
 Imagine a figure skater spinning: when they extend their arms, their mass is
distributed further from the axis of rotation (their body), increasing their
moment of inertia and slowing their spin. When they pull their arms in, they
decrease their moment of inertia and spin faster due to conservation of
angular momentum.

 Shape:

 The shape of an object significantly influences its moment of inertia.

 For example, a thin hoop has a larger moment of inertia than a solid disk of the
same mass and radius because the hoop's mass is concentrated further from
the axis of rotation.

Mathematical Representation:

Point Mass: For a single point mass (m) located at a distance (r) from the axis of rotation:

 I = mr²

Continuous Mass Distribution: For objects with continuous mass distributions (like a solid
sphere or a rod), the moment of inertia is calculated using integration:
  I = ∫ ρ(r) r² dV

Where ρ(r) is the mass density at a distance r from the axis, and dV is an infinitesimal
volume element.

Key Concepts:

 Radius of Gyration (k):

 This is a useful concept that simplifies calculations.

 The radius of gyration (k) is the distance from the axis of rotation at which the
entire mass of the object could be concentrated and still have the same
moment of inertia.
 I = mk², where k is the radius of gyration.

 Parallel Axis Theorem:

 This theorem relates the moment of inertia of an object about an arbitrary axis
to its moment of inertia about a parallel axis passing through the object's
center of mass:
 I = Icm + Md²

 where:
 I: Moment of inertia about the arbitrary axis
 Icm: Moment of inertia about the axis passing through the center
of mass
 M: Total mass of the object
 d: Perpendicular distance between the two axes
Definition:

Angular momentum is a fundamental quantity in rotational motion, analogous to linear

momentum (p = mv) in translational motion.

It describes the "amount of rotational motion" an object possesses.

It depends on both the object's rotational speed (angular velocity) and its distribution of
mass.

Mathematical Representation:

Angular Momentum (L) = Moment of Inertia (I) × Angular Velocity (ω)

 L = Iω

Key Concepts:

Vector Quantity: Angular momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude
and direction.

 The direction of the angular momentum vector is perpendicular to the plane of

rotation, 1 determined by the right-hand rule.

Conservation of Angular Momentum:

This is a fundamental law of physics:

 In the absence of external torques, the total angular momentum of a system

remains constant.

This principle has profound implications in various fields, from the motion of planets to the
spinning of figure skaters.

Examples:

 Figure Skater: A figure skater spinning with their arms outstretched has a certain
angular momentum. When they pull their arms in, their moment of inertia decreases
(mass is closer to the axis of rotation). To conserve angular momentum, their angular
velocity (spin rate) must increase dramatically.
 Spinning Top: A spinning top maintains its upright position due to the conservation
of angular momentum.
 Planetary Motion: The orbital motion of planets around the Sun is governed by the
conservation of angular momentum.
Work Done by Torque:

 In linear motion, work is defined as the force applied on an object multiplied by the
displacement of the object in the direction of the force (W = F 1 * d).
 In rotational motion, the analogous quantity is torque.
 The work done by a constant torque (τ) in rotating an object through an angular
displacement (θ) is given by:
 W=τ*θ

Rotational Kinetic Energy:

 Just as a moving object possesses translational kinetic energy (K_trans = 1/2 mv²), a
rotating object possesses rotational kinetic energy.
 The rotational kinetic energy (K_rot) of a rotating object is given by:

Krot = 1/2 Iω²

where I is the moment of inertia of the object and ω is its angular velocity.

Work-Energy Theorem for Rotational Motion:

 The work-energy theorem for rotational motion states that the work done by the net
torque on a rotating object is equal to the change in its rotational kinetic energy:

W_net = ΔK_rot

This can be expressed mathematically as:

 τnet * θ = 1/2 Iω² - 1/2 Iω₀²

where τ_net is the net torque acting on the object, θ is the angular displacement, ω is the
final angular velocity, and ω₀ is the initial angular velocity.

Significance:

 The work-energy theorem for rotational motion provides a powerful tool for
analyzing rotational motion.
 It allows us to relate the work done on an object to its change in rotational kinetic
energy without explicitly considering the time taken for the rotation.
 This principle has applications in various fields, such as the design of rotating
machinery and the analysis of the motion of celestial bodies.
Definition:

 Rolling motion is a combination of translational (linear) and rotational motion.

 A common example is a wheel or a ball moving along a surface.

Pure Rolling: Pure rolling occurs when there is no slipping between the object and the
surface it's rolling on. This means the point of contact between the object and the
surface is instantaneously at rest.

Key Characteristics:

 Relationship between Linear and Angular Velocity: In pure rolling motion, the linear
velocity (v) of the center of mass of the object is directly related to its angular
velocity (ω) by:

v = ωr

 where r is the radius of the object.

Instantaneous Center of Rotation: During pure rolling, the point of contact between the
object and the surface acts as the instantaneous center of rotation. This means that, at that
specific instant, the object is rotating about that point as if it were fixed.

Energy Considerations:

o The total kinetic energy of a rolling object consists of two parts:

 Translational Kinetic Energy:
 K_trans = 1/2 mv²
 where m is the mass of the object and v is the linear velocity of its
center of mass.
 Rotational Kinetic Energy:
 K_rot = 1/2 Iω²
 where I is the moment of inertia of the object about its center of
mass.
o Total Kinetic Energy:
 K_total = K_trans + K_rot
 K_total = 1/2 mv² + 1/2 Iω²

Examples:

 Bicycle Wheel: A bicycle wheel rolling along the road demonstrates pure rolling
motion. The point of contact with the ground is instantaneously at rest, while the
center of the wheel moves forward.
  Ball Rolling Down a Ramp: A ball rolling down an incline exhibits a combination of
translational and rotational motion.
 Car Tires: The rolling motion of car tires propels the vehicle forward.

Conditions for Pure Rolling:

 For pure rolling to occur, the frictional force between the object and the surface
must be sufficient to prevent slipping.
 This frictional force provides the necessary torque to accelerate the object's rotation.
  Definition:
o Gyroscopic motion describes the behavior of a rotating object with a fixed axis
of rotation.
o A classic example is a gyroscope, a spinning object mounted on a gimbal that
allows it to rotate freely in any direction.
 Key Characteristics:
o Stability:
 Gyroscopes exhibit remarkable stability.
 When a torque is applied to a spinning gyroscope, instead of simply
tipping over, it experiences precession, a slow, conical motion of the axis
of rotation.
 This stability arises from the conservation of angular momentum.
o Precession:
 Precession is a fundamental aspect of gyroscopic motion.
 When a torque is applied to a spinning gyroscope, it causes a change in
the direction of the angular momentum vector, resulting in the
precessional motion.
 The direction of precession is perpendicular to both the applied torque
and the initial angular momentum vector.
 Applications:
o Navigation Systems: Gyroscopes are crucial components in navigation systems
for aircraft, ships, and spacecraft.
 They provide a stable reference direction, allowing for accurate
navigation and guidance.
o Stabilization Systems: Gyroscopes are used in stabilization systems for various
applications, such as:
 Aircraft: Maintaining stability during flight.
 Spacecraft: Maintaining orientation and pointing direction.
 Vehicles: Improving stability and handling.
o Other Applications:
 Toys: Spinning tops and toys like the gyroscope demonstrate the
principles of gyroscopic motion.
 Inertial Navigation Systems: These systems use gyroscopes to
determine the orientation and position of a vehicle without relying on
external signals.
 Examples:
o A spinning top maintaining its upright position.
o The Earth's precession, the slow wobbling of the Earth's axis of rotation.
o The stabilization of a bicycle as it moves.

I hope this comprehensive explanation of gyroscopic motion is helpful!

 Definition:
o Non-rigid body rotation describes the motion of objects that can change their
shape during rotation.
o Unlike rigid bodies, where the distance between any two points remains
constant, non-rigid bodies can deform, stretch, or compress.
 Key Concepts:
o Conservation of Angular Momentum:
 Even though the shape of the object changes, the total angular
momentum of the system remains constant, as long as no external
torques act on the system.
 This is a fundamental principle that governs the motion of non-rigid
bodies.
o Changing Moment of Inertia:
 As the object deforms, its moment of inertia changes.
 To conserve angular momentum, the object's angular velocity must
adjust accordingly.
 Examples:
o Figure Skater: A figure skater spinning with their arms outstretched has a
larger moment of inertia. When they pull their arms in, their moment of inertia
decreases. To conserve angular momentum, their angular velocity (spin rate)
must increase dramatically.
o Diver: A diver performing a somersault can change their body configuration
(e.g., tucking their body) to increase their rotational speed and execute a
higher-scoring dive.
o Stellar Evolution:
 In some cases, stars can undergo significant shape changes during their
evolution.
 These changes can affect their rotational motion and have implications
for their stability and behavior.
 Significance:
o Understanding non-rigid body rotation is crucial in various fields, including:
 Astrophysics: Studying the evolution of stars and other celestial objects.
 Biomechanics: Analyzing the motion of human and animal bodies, such
as the movement of limbs and the rotation of joints.
 Engineering: Designing flexible structures and mechanisms that undergo
deformations during motion.
Rotational motion is a fundamental concept in physics with profound implications in
various fields. This exploration has covered key aspects of this important area, including:

 Fundamental Concepts: Angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

 Kinematics of Rotational Motion: Equations of motion, relationships between linear
and rotational quantities.
 Torque: The rotational equivalent of force, its role in causing rotational motion.
 Moment of Inertia: A measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion,
influenced by mass and mass distribution.
 Angular Momentum: A conserved quantity crucial for understanding the dynamics of
rotating systems.
 Work and Energy in Rotational Motion: Work done by torque, rotational kinetic
energy, and the work-energy theorem.
 Rolling Motion: A combination of translational and rotational motion, crucial for
understanding the motion of wheels and other rolling objects.
 Gyroscopic Motion: The behavior of spinning objects, characterized by stability and
precession.
 Non-rigid Body Rotation: The rotation of objects that can change their shape during
motion, exemplified by figure skaters and divers..

This overview provides a foundation for understanding the principles and applications of
rotational motion, from the motion of planets to the operation of everyday machinery.