Torque & Rotational Motion
Apply forces to levers, spin disks, and observe rolling. Explore how torque creates angular acceleration, and see the connections between linear and rotational dynamics.
Rotation Parameters
Properties
| Mode | Torque on Lever |
| Force | 20 N |
| Lever Arm | 0.5 m |
| Torque | -- |
| I | -- |
| α | -- |
| ω | -- |
| L | -- |
| KE (rot) | -- |
The Physics Behind It
Rotational Dynamics
- Torque: τ = rF sinθ
- Newton's 2nd (rotation): τ = Iα
- Angular momentum: L = Iω
- Rotational KE: KE = ½Iω²
- Disk moment: I = ½mr²
Key Concepts
- Torque is the rotational equivalent of force — it depends on force magnitude, lever arm, and the angle between them
- Moment of inertia is rotational mass — how hard it is to change an object's rotation
- Rolling without slipping: v = ωr connects translational and rotational motion
- Conservation of angular momentum: spinning ice skaters speed up when they pull in their arms
You're crushing it!