Rigid bodies and rotational dynamics

Nature of science:

Modelling: The use of models has different purposes and has allowed scientists to identify, simplify and analyse a problem within a given context to tackle it successfully. The extension of the point particle model to actually consider the dimensions of an object led to many groundbreaking developments in engineering. (1.2)

• Torque
• Moment of inertia
• Rotational and translational equilibrium
• Angular acceleration
• Equations of rotational motion for uniform angular acceleration
• Newton’s second law applied to angular motion
• Conservation of angular momentum

Applications and skills:

• Calculating torque for single forces and couples
• Solving problems involving moment of inertia, torque and angular acceleration
• Solving problems in which objects are in both rotational and translational equilibrium

• Models are always valid within a context and they are modified, expanded or replaced when that context is altered or considered differently. Are there examples of unchanging models in the natural sciences or in any other areas of knowledge?

Utilization:

• Structural design and civil engineering rely on the knowledge of how objects can move in all situations

Aims:

• Aim 7: technology has allowed for computer simulations that accurately model the complicated outcomes of actions on bodies

• Solving problems using rotational quantities analogous to linear quantities
• Sketching and interpreting graphs of rotational motion
• Solving problems involving rolling without slipping

Guidance:

• Analysis will be limited to basic geometric shapes
• The equation for the moment of inertia of a specific shape will be provided when necessary
• Graphs will be limited to angular displacement–time, angular velocity–time and torque–time

Data booklet reference: