Work through the list without notes. If you cannot do a statement, follow its link, then come back. Guide = study guide; Practice = practice questions.
Understanding
- I can explain why internal torques cannot change a system’s total angular momentum, using Newton’s third law. (Guide: “Why internal torques cannot change the total”; Practice Q7)
- I can decide whether a chosen system’s angular momentum is constant by checking for external torques. (Guide: “Choosing the system”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain that angular momentum is conserved in every interaction, and that a system’s L changes only when L is transferred to or from its surroundings. (Guide: “Choosing the system”)
- I can explain why a pivot can stop linear momentum being conserved without affecting angular momentum about the pivot. (Guide: Worked example 2)
Calculation
- I can add the signed angular momenta of rigid bodies and point objects about one axis to find a system’s total. (Guide: “Total angular momentum of a system”; Practice Q3)
- I can solve a rotational “sticking” collision, including mr² for an object that sticks. (Guide: Worked examples 1 and 2; Practice Q4)
- I can use I₁ω₁ = I₂ω₂ to predict the new angular speed after a shape change. (Guide: Worked example 3; Practice Q1)
- I can compare kinetic energy before and after, and say where energy went or came from. (Guide: Worked examples 1 and 3; Practice Q1, Q4, Q5)
Reasoning and skills
- I can linearise data by plotting ω against 1/I and use the slope and intercept to test conservation. (Guide: Figure 2; Practice Q5)
- I can design an experiment to test conservation of angular momentum and name the external torque that limits it. (Practice Q6)
- I can find the equal and opposite angular impulses that two parts of a system exert on each other. (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q7)
- I can evaluate a claim about whether something “can start rotating”, stating the system I use. (Practice Q7)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 6.5, Rolling, or return to the course roadmap.