Section: Module 4: Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum | PHYS 6646: Learning & Teaching Advanced Topics In Trig-Based Physics (2025) | NJCTL

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  • Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    Welcome to Learning and Teaching PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics

    This course is for teachers to learn the content of PSI Advanced Topics in Trigonometry-Based Physics and how to teach that course to students, while providing teachers a greater depth of understanding to support their teaching of PSI Algebra-Based Physics.  Topics include Rotational Physics, Fluid, Thermodynamics and Optics.

    Prerequisite: PHYS6601 or Instructor Approval

Module 3: Rotational Kinematics
Module 5 Geometric Optics

Module 4: Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum

  • Module 4: Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum

    phys 6603

    In this module, we will introduce the concept of angular displacement, velocity and acceleration, and solve problems for rotational kinematics. We will investigate who linear motion and rotational motion are related. Finally, we will explore torque as a measure of how much force acting on an object causes that object to move.  Then,  we will continue exploring rotational motion, delving into real-world applications of torque. We will explore rotational kinematics and what it means for an object to be in static equilibrium.

    This module investigates rotational motion. Be sure to complete the discussion question, the lab, the Mastery Exercises, and the module exam. Watch the videos and complete the practice problems to facilitate your learning.   Discussion question responses should be 200-300 words and referenced. Refer to the Required/Recommended reading materials or provide an additional reference to an article of your choice. Provide clear, concise, focused, and well-documented responses and respond to at least two posts by fellow students.   

    1. Use representations of the relationship between force and torque.

    2. Compare the torques on an object caused by various forces.

    3. Estimate the torque on an object caused by various forces in comparison to other situations.

    4. Design an experiment and analyze data testing a question about torques in a balanced rigid system.

    5. Calculate torques on a two-dimensional system in static equilibrium, by examining a representation or model (such as a diagram or physical construction).

    6. Make predictions about the change in the angular velocity about an axis for an object when forces exerted on the object cause a torque about that axis.

    7. Plan data collection and analysis strategies designed to test the relationship between a torque exerted on an object and the change in angular velocity of that object about an axis.

    8. Predict the behavior of rotational collision situations by the same processes that are used to analyze linear collision situations using an analogy between impulse and change of linear momentum and angular impulse and change of angular momentum.

    9. In an unfamiliar context or using representations beyond equations, justify the selection of a mathematical routine to solve for the change in angular momentum of an object caused by torques exerted on the object.

    10. Plan data collection and analysis strategies designed to test the relationship between torques exerted on an object and the change in angular momentum of that object.

    Pages 123-130 in Physics, the Human Adventure and Chapter 8 in Principles with Applications

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Lessons

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Problem Solving

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Assignments

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Discussion Board Forum

      Please use this space to ask any questions about the Rotational Motion module to the instructor and your peers.  You can start a new discussion thread by pressing "add a new discussion topic."

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Short Answer Assignment Forum
      Students must
      Make forum posts: 1
      Receive a grade
    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum - Lab PDF File

    • Rotational Dynamics, Energy & Momentum Module Exam

Module 3: Rotational Kinematics
Module 5 Geometric Optics