Unit 5: Rotations

     Many objects in our world rotate about internal axes. The mechanics used to describe these motions is exactly analogous to the linear mechanics we have used in the first four units of this course. For every parameter we have discussed so far there is an angular (or rotational) corollary. Our job in this unit is to learn to use the angular parameters in equations just as we did in linear mechanics. Because you have already been exposed to the main ideas in units one through four, we will proceed at a fast pace, covering all of the topics in just one unit.  It's enough to make your head spin!  But don't worry...you'll get the hang of it the second time around more easily than the first.  (I hope you caught the rotational references!)

Suggested timeframe: 3 weeks

Big Ideas:
1. Translational and rotational mechanics are described with corollary parameters.
2. Torque causes rotational acceleration.
3. The rotational inertia of an object is a measure of its resistance to change in its rotational state of motion.