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 all points of a rigid system share ω and α, but not v, a_T or a_c. (Guide: “Comparing points on one rigid system”; Practice Q1)
- I can explain why s = rθ, v = rω and a_T = rα need angles in radians. (Guide: “Arc length and the radian”; Practice Q2)
- I can explain why a point rotating at constant ω still accelerates. (Guide: “The other component: centripetal acceleration”; Practice Q7)
- I can state the conditions for a string or belt to share the rim’s speed and tangential acceleration. (Guide: “Strings, hoses and belts that do not slip”)
Calculation
- I can derive v = rω and a_T = rα by differentiating s = rθ with r constant. (Guide: “Deriving v = rω and a_T = rα”)
- I can find the speed, tangential, centripetal and total acceleration of a point from θ(t) or ω(t). (Guide: Worked example 1; Practice Q7(b))
- I can find a cord’s speed, acceleration and distance moved from a drum’s ω(t), and the number of turns. (Guide: Worked example 2; Practice Q4)
- I can derive the total acceleration of a rim point in terms of α, r and θ for a spin-up from rest. (Practice Q6)
Reasoning
- I can compare linear quantities for points at different distances from the axis using proportional reasoning. (Guide: table and Figure 1; Practice Q1, Q7(a))
- I can predict how a_T and a_c change when ω or α changes. (Practice Q3)
- I can sketch v–t, a_T–t and a_c–t graphs for points on a rotating system from its ω–t description. (Guide: “Graphs against time”; Practice Q5)
All ticked? Move on to Topic 5.3, Torque, or return to the course roadmap.