physics / Mechanics / free

Circular & Rotational Motion

Separate inward acceleration, angular speed, and torque.

Follow the mechanism1 / 3

Velocity follows a curved path. Even constant speed means changing velocity when the direction keeps rotating.

rotation changes the meaning of force4.0 rad/s

Focus the idea

radius2 m

tangential speed8.0 m/s

centripetal accel.32.0 m/s²

angular accel.0.50 rad/s²

Radius 2 mAngular speed 4 rad/sTorque 4 N·m

The inward acceleration is 32.0 m/s²; it changes direction even when speed stays constant.

Centripetal acceleration points inward. Torque changes rotational motion by acting through a lever arm; speed and acceleration are not the same quantity.

04 / PRACTICE

Make the idea yours.

0 / 3 checked

Use the model, then answer without looking back. Each check isolates one decision a learner should be able to make after this lesson.

CHECK 1 / 3