A-Level Physics Specification

AQA 7408

Section 11.1: Rotational dynamics

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#11.1.1

Concept of moment of inertia

\(I = mr^2 \) for a point mass.

\(I = Σmr^2 \) for an extended object.

Qualitative knowledge of the factors that affect the moment of inertia of a rotating object.

Expressions for moment of inertia will be given where necessary.

#11.1.2

Rotational kinetic energy

\(E_k = \dfrac{1}{2}Iω^2 \)

Factors affecting the energy storage capacity of a flywheel.

Use of flywheels in machines.

Use of flywheels for smoothing torque and speed, and for storing energy in vehicles, and in machines used for production processes.

#11.1.3

Rotational motion

Angular displacement, angular speed, angular velocity, angular acceleration,
\(ω = \dfrac{∆θ}{∆t} \), \(α = \dfrac{∆ω}{∆t} \)

Representation by graphical methods of uniform and non-uniform angular acceleration.

Equations for uniform angular acceleration;

\(ω_2 = ω_1 + αt\), \(θ = \Big(\dfrac{ω_1+ω_2}{2}\Big)t \)

\(θ = ω_1t + \dfrac{αt^2}{2} \), \(ω_2^2 = ω_1^2 + 2αθ \)

Students should be aware of the analogy between rotational and translational dynamics.

#11.1.4

Torque and angular acceleration

\(T = Fr\)

\(T = Iα\)

#11.1.5

Angular momentum

\(\text{angular momentum} = Iω \)

Conservation of angular momentum.

Angular impulse = change in angular momentum;
\(T∆t=∆(Iω) \) where T is constant.

Applications may include examples from sport.

#11.1.6

Work and power

\(W = Tθ \); \(P = Tω \)

Awareness that frictional torque has to be taken into account in rotating machinery.