explains why and how objects move.

Similarly, both rotational

kinematics and dynamics are covered in this lesson.

Rotational Equilibrium and

Moment of Inertia
Rotational Dynamics
measures how much an object resists changing rotation. In linear
Learning Competencies: motion, according to Newton's Second Law, we use mass to gauge an
object's resistance to change but in rotational motion, rotational inertia
• Calculate the moment of inertia about a given axis of or moment of inertia serves the same purpose. Rotational inertia is a
singleobject and multiple-object systems. scalar, not a vector and is dependent upon the radius of rotation.
• Calculate the magnitude and direction of torque using the According to the formula, moment of inertia is equal to the product of
definition of torque as a cross product. its mass, m, and the square of its shortest distance r, from the axis in
• Describe rotational quantities using vectors. consideration.
• Determine whether a system is in static equilibrium or not.
• Determine the angular momentum of different systems. 2
𝐼 = 𝑚𝑟
• Apply the torque-angular momentum relation
• Solve static equilibrium problems in contexts but not limited
to see-saws, cable-hinge-strut-system and leaning ladders. To expand our concept of rotational inertia, we define the moment of
Introduction inertia of a multiple - object systems about an axis to be the sum of
𝑚𝑟2 for all the point masses of which it is composed.
When a body is in a state of mechanical equilibrium, also known as
static equilibrium, all forces are balanced both translationally 𝐼 = ∑ 𝑚𝑟 2

(translational equilibrium) and rotationally (rotational equilibrium).

The former being considered in lesson 7 where the concept of force
plays a vital role; while, the latter is one of the concerns of this Note: Unit for moment of inertia is kg.m2.
lesson in which the idea of torque provides the significant details,
when Newtonian Mechanics was introduced in lesson 5, it started Figure below shows the moment of inertia of familiar uniform bodies
with one of its two branches, Kinematics, the descriptive study of and shapes with their corresponding axis. Note that mass of the body
motion, The other branch, Dynamics, first discussed in lesson 7, here is represented by M.

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 1

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 2
General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 3
 The lever arm is defined as the perpendicular distance from the axis
b.) of rotation to the line of action of the force.
∆𝑡 = ∆𝜔
𝛼 = ω𝑓−𝜔𝑖
𝛼

= 0−−8726.3.2 𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠/2𝑠

∆𝒕 = 𝟎. 𝟑 𝒔

Torque
Note:The standard unit for torque
[Link].
Torque is the force that causes objects to turn or rotate. Torque about a
point is a concept that denotes the tendency of force to turn or rotate an
Example:
object in motion. This tendency is measured in general about a point,
If the force appliedperpendicular
is to the handle of the spanner as
and is termed as moment of force. The torque in angular motion
shown in the diagram, find the torque exerted by the force about the
corresponds to force in translation. It is the “cause” whose effect is either
center of the nut
.
angular acceleration or angular deceleration of a particle in general
motion. Given:
1𝑚
r = 15 cm x = 0.15 m
Torque is equal to lever arm times the force applied. 100𝑐𝑚
F = 2.5 N(counterclockwise
)

𝝉=𝒓×𝑭 Solution:
𝝉=𝒓 ×𝑭
For angle between the force applied and lever arm that is less than = 0.15m x2.5
90°.
𝝉 = 0.375 N.m or 37.510x-2 N.m
𝝉 = 𝒓 × 𝑭 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝜽
Where:

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 4

 𝜏 = torque
r = lever arm F = force applied
𝜃 = angle between lever arm and force applied
Static Equilibrium the solution. Any pivot point can be chosen, but the most useful
ones cause torques by unknown forces to be zero. (Torque is
Engineers need to design and build structures which don't fall zero if the force is applied at the pivot (then r = 0), or along a
over, slide, or tilt. In other words, they need to make sure their line through the pivot point (then 𝜃 = 0)). Always choose a
buildings remain in static equilibrium: no translation, no rotation. convenient coordinate system for projecting forces.
How can we ensure that a structure will remain in static equilibrium? 4. Check the solution to see if it is reasonable by examining the
magnitude, direction, and units of the answer. The importance
An object is in static equilibrium if and only if: of this last step never diminishes, although in unfamiliar
applications, it is usually more difficult to judge reasonableness.
➢ The sum of the forces on it in each direction is zero. These judgements become progressively easier with
➢ The sum of the torques on it in each direction is zero. experience.
➢ Its linear momentum is zero (i.e. it’s not moving).
Example:
Problem – Solving Strategy: Static equilibrium Situations: Three masses are attached to a uniform meter stick, as shown in
1. Identify the object to be analyzed. For some systems in (Figure). The mass of the meter stick is 150.0 g and the masses to
equilibrium, it may be necessary to consider more than one the left of the fulcrum are m 1 = 50.0 g and m2 = 75.0 g. Find the
object. Identify all forces acting on the object. Identify the mass m3 that balances the system when it is attached at the right
questions you need to answer. Identify the information given in end of the stick, and the normal reaction force at the fulcrum when
the problem. In realistic problems, some key information may the system is balanced.
be implicit in the situation rather than provided explicitly.
2. It is particularly important to draw a free body diagram for the
system of interest, carefully label all forces, and note their
relative magnitudes, directions, and points of application
whenever these are known.
3. Solve the problem by applying either or both of the conditions
for equilibrium (represented by the equations F net = 0 and 𝜏𝑛𝑒𝑡 =
0), depending on the list of known and unknown factors. If the
second condition is involved, choose the pivot point to simplify
General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 5
 Solution:

We begin by finding the lever arms of the five forces acting on the
stick:

• r1 = 30cm + 40cm = 70cm = 0.7m

• r2 = 40cm = 0.4m
• r = 50cm – 30cm = 20cm = 0.2m
• rs = 0cm (because Fs is attached at the pivot)
Strategy: • r3 = 30cm = 0.3m

For the arrangement shown in the figure, we identify the following Now we can find the five torques with respect to the chosen pivot:
five forces acting on the meter stick:
• 𝜏1 = 𝑟1𝑤1 = 𝑟1𝑚1𝑔 (counterclockwise rotation, positive)
w1 = m1g is the weight of mass m1 w2 • 𝜏2 = 𝑟2𝑤2 = 𝑟2𝑚2𝑔 (counterclockwise rotation, positive)
= m2g is the weight of mass m2 • 𝜏 = 𝑟𝑤 = 𝑟𝑚𝑔 (counterclockwise rotation, positive)
w = mg is the weight of the entire meter stick • 𝜏𝑠 = 𝑟𝑠𝐹𝑠 = 0 (because r s = 0 cm) • 𝜏3 = −𝑟3𝑤3 = −𝑟3𝑚3𝑔
w3 = m3g is the weight of the unknown mass m3 Fs is (clockwise rotation, negative) The second equilibrium condition
the normal reaction force at the support point S Free (equation for the torques for the meter stick is:
– body diagram: 𝜏1 + 𝜏 2 + 𝜏 + 𝜏 𝑠 + 𝜏 3 = 0

When substituting torque values into this equation, we can get the
unknown mass 𝑚3.

𝑟1𝑚1𝑔 + 𝑟2𝑚2𝑔 + 𝑟𝑚𝑔 − 𝑟3𝑚3𝑔 = 0

1. 7(0.05)(9.8) + 0.4(0.075)(9.8) + 0.2(0.15)(9.8) − 0.3(𝑚3)(9.8)

=0

0.343 + 0.294 + 0.294 − 2.94𝑚3 = 0

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 6

 1. Moment of Inertia measures how much an object resists
0.931 − 2.94𝑚3 = 0 changing rotation.
2. Moment of Inertia is also called as Rotational Inertia.
3. The angular acceleration of a rotating object is the rate at which
=2 .
the angular velocity changes with respect to time.
4. Torque is equal to lever arm times the force applied.
𝜏 = 𝑟 × 𝐹.
𝒎 𝟑 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟕 𝒌𝒈
5. An object is in static equilibrium if and only if:
• The sum of the forces on it in each direction is zero.
Selecting the +y-direction to be parallel to F s, the first equilibrium • The sum of the torques on it in each direction is zero.
condition for the stick is: • Its linear momentum is zero (i.e. it’s not moving).
6. When a body is in a state of mechanical equilibrium, also
−𝑤1 − 𝑤2 − 𝑤 + 𝐹𝑠 − 𝑤3 = 0 known as static equilibrium, all forces are balanced both
translationally (translational equilibrium) and rotationally
Substituting the values into this equation, we can get the normal (rotational equilibrium).
reaction force Fs.
REFERENCES:
−𝑚1𝑔 − 𝑚2𝑔 − 𝑚𝑔 + 𝐹𝑠 − 𝑚3𝑔 = 0 Dirks, Hinrichs, sharma and Urone.(2015) College Physics. Gadong E.
and Belleza R.(ed), General Physics 1 (Philippine Ed.).
−0.05(9.8) − 0.075(9.8) − 0.15(9.8) + 𝐹𝑠 − 0.317(9.8) = 0
Lumen Learning (2017). “Example of static Equilibrium”.
[Link]
−0.49 − 0.735 − 1.47 + 𝐹𝑠 − 3.11 = 0
2-2-examples-of-static-equilibrium/
−5.81 + 𝐹𝑠 = 0

𝑭𝒔 = 𝟓. 𝟖𝟏 𝑵 Prepared by: JOVY B. GISULTURA, LPT

ACTIVITY 1

SUMMARY:

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 7

Direction: Solve the following problems. Show your solution and box
your final answer.

1. Calculate the moment of Inertia of a 25 kg Hoop whose radius

is 0.10 m about an axis of the cylinder.

2. Elise drives a motorcycle from medium to high speed, the

wheels accelerate at 1.5 radians per second squared for 2
seconds. If the initial angular speed of the wheels is 3.2 radians
per second, what is the final angular speed of the wheel in
radians per second?

3. A force with a magnitude of 35 N is applied perpendicular to a

bar that can pivot about its end. The force is 0.50 m away from
the end. What is the torque on the bar?

4. Two children sitting at opposite ends of a 6 m seesaw that is

pivoted at its center having a mass of 30 kg and 40 kg
respectively. Where should another 30 kg child sit in order to
balance the seesaw?

General Physics-1 Rotational Equilibrium and Rotational dynamics Page | 8