Torque & the 2nd Law for Rotation

We have previously studied Newton's laws of motion while only considering what happens to the center-of-mass (COM) of an object, otherwise known as a point particle model. In statics and dynamics, we still work under the framework of Newton's laws of motion, but we extend our consideration from the point particle model to also include the shape and size of the object.

• Lecture 1 | Torque & the 2nd Law for Rotation

Application of 2nd Law: Static Equilibrium & Stability

Applying Newton's 2nd law for rotation requires understanding how to calculate torques. Then you add those up and set them equal to the moment of inertia multiplied by the angular acceleration. If an object is in rotational equilibrium, the net torque must add up to zero, resulting in zero angular acceleration.

• Lecture 2 | Application of 2nd Law: Static Equilibrium & Stability

Dynamics & Moment of Inertia

Check out this trailer video from OpenStax about the Moment of Inertia.

• Lecture 3 | Dynamics & Moment of Inertia