Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum - Physics (Undergraduate Foundation)
Everything in the universe from car wheels to distant planets follows the laws of rotational motion. This course explains how objects spin and move in circles by breaking down the physics of torque, angular momentum, and inertia. You will learn to calculate how much force is needed to start a rotation, how energy is stored in spinning flywheels, and why objects like gyroscopes resist falling. We cover the transition from simple circular movement to complex rolling and the conservation laws that govern every rotating system.
Mastering these principles is essential for any career in mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering. You will use this knowledge to design efficient engines, stabilising systems for ships, and better vehicle parts. Understanding how torque and power relate allows you to analyse machine performance and industrial turbines. These tools are also the foundation for tracking satellite paths and managing the stability of aircraft in flight.
By the end of this course, you will be able to calculate angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration; determine the moment of inertia for various shapes; and apply Newton's second law to rotational systems. You will master solving problems involving rotational kinetic energy and work; linking linear and angular variables for rolling objects; and using the conservation of angular momentum to predict the behaviour of spinning systems. These skills allow you to model and solve real-world dynamics problems with precision.
This course is built for first-year university students of physics and engineering who need a solid foundation in mechanics. It is a mandatory requirement for those moving into advanced robotics, automotive design, or space science. Even if you are not an engineering student, these lessons help anyone interested in the logic of how machines work or those preparing for technical entrance exams. The material is presented simply to ensure any learner with a basic understanding of mathematics can follow and apply these laws.
Enrolment valid for 12 months
This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.
PHY 101: General Physics I - Mechanics
This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering.
The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics.
This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
PHY 101: General Physics I - Mechanics
This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering.
The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics.
This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
This learning track provides a complete and rigorous treatment of introductory classical mechanics as specified by the NUC Core Curriculum. It is structured to build a comprehensive analytical framework, starting with the mathematical description of motion (kinematics) and progressing through its causes (Newtonian dynamics), the powerful conservation laws, the dynamics of rotating systems, and finally, the principles of universal gravitation. Mastery of this material is the non-negotiable foundation for all subsequent study in physics and engineering. The principles of classical mechanics are the operational language for analysing the physical world. This track provides the essential toolset for solving problems in every field of engineering, from aerospace to civil, and for understanding phenomena from the trajectory of a projectile to the orbits of planets. By the end of this track, you will be able to analyse motion using vectors and calculus, apply Newton's laws to solve any standard dynamics problem, use conservation laws to analyse complex systems and collisions, analyse rotational motion, and solve problems in celestial mechanics. This learning track is a mandatory prerequisite for all first-year university students of physics, engineering, and related physical sciences. It provides the foundational knowledge required for all subsequent courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
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Course Chapters
1. Introduction55
1. Introduction
5
5
Move from straight-line mechanics to rotational motion by defining how objects spin. This foundation is required to understand any rotating system, from simple fans to engines and planetary orbits.
You will master measuring angular displacement in radians; calculating angular velocity and acceleration; and using the radius to link linear variables to rotational motion.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
1:24:15
Problem Walkthroughs
5 Lessons
23:59
2. Constant Angular Acceleration14
2. Constant Angular Acceleration
1
4
This chapter explains rotation where the spin rate changes at a steady pace. These rules allow you to predict the position and speed of spinning parts, essential for engine and turbine analysis.
You will master using the four rotational kinematic equations; calculating angular displacement and velocity during fixed acceleration; and solving motion problems involving time and rotation rate.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
12:56
Problem Walkthroughs
4 Lessons
26:23
3. Torque and Angular Inertia4
3. Torque and Angular Inertia
4
This chapter links the twisting force that causes rotation to an object’s resistance to spinning. Understanding these dynamics is essential for calculating the acceleration of any moving mechanical part or system.
You will master calculating torque via the perpendicular lever arm; determining the moment of inertia for various mass distributions; applying the parallel-axis theorem; and using the rotational form of Newton’s second law to solve for angular acceleration.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
4. Angular Work and Energy4
4. Angular Work and Energy
4
This chapter applies energy principles to rotation. You will learn to calculate the energy stored in spinning objects and the work done by twisting forces, which is essential for analysing engines, motors, and flywheels.
You will master calculating rotational kinetic energy; determining work done by torque; and applying the work-energy theorem to solve problems involving spinning systems and power.
Concept Overviews
4 Lessons
5. Rolling3
5. Rolling
3
This chapter combines linear and rotational motion to explain how objects roll without slipping. It is vital for analysing wheels, bearings, and vehicles where translational and angular speeds are linked.
You will master linking linear and angular velocity; calculating total kinetic energy for rolling bodies; and solving acceleration problems for objects rolling down inclines.
Concept Overviews
3 Lessons
6. Angular Momentum5
6. Angular Momentum
5
This chapter explains angular momentum and its conservation when net external torque is zero. This law is essential for analysing spinning machinery, planetary orbits, and the stable flight of rotating objects.
You will master calculating angular momentum for particles and solid bodies; applying conservation laws to systems with changing shapes; and explaining the physics of gyroscopic precession.
Concept Overviews
5 Lessons
7. Conclusion1
7. Conclusion
1
This final chapter consolidates all rotational mechanics principles into a single framework. It is the bridge to advanced mechanics, ensuring you can apply torque and momentum laws to orbital systems.
You will master linking rotational variables; applying angular conservation laws; and transitioning to universal gravitation.
Concept Overviews
1 Lesson
12:16