Torque: Crash Course Physics #12

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this episode of Crash Course Physics, Dr. Shini discusses what torque is, how it works, why it works, and what it all has to do with this thing called "Moment of Inertia."

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Physics

SC15.PHYS.4

Identify and analyze forces responsible for changes in rotational motion and develop an understanding of the effect of rotational inertia on the motion of a rotating object (e.g., merry-go-round, spinning toy, spinning figure skater, stellar collapse [supernova], rapidly spinning pulsar).

UP:SC15.PHYS.4

Vocabulary

  • angular position
  • rotational inertia
  • center of gravity
  • model
  • graph
  • force
  • rotational motion
  • circular motion
  • torque
  • lever arm
  • angle
  • radian
  • circumference
  • diameter
  • radius
  • arc
  • angular momentum
  • angular velocity
  • angular acceleration
  • angle of rotation
  • distance
  • perpendicular
  • system
  • clockwise
  • counterclockwise
  • equilibrium
  • translational equilibrium
  • rotational equilibrium
  • axis of rotation
  • center of mass
  • Newton's laws
  • tangential
  • moment of inertia
  • free body diagram

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How to identify the system.
  • Apply Newton's Second Law of Motion.
  • What rotational inertia is and how it affects the motion of a rotating object.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Draw rigid body diagrams.
  • Solve for net force.
  • Extrapolate their understanding of a physical illustration of a phenomenon (e.g., spinning figure skater, merry-go-round) to an intangible example of the same phenomenon (e.g., rapidly spinning pulsar, supernova).
  • Follow written and verbal instructions.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Objects in rotational motion experience varied changes in motion depending upon their rotational inertia and the net force acting upon them.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and System Models

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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