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Volume I · MMXXVI AP Physics C: Mechanics
Library AP Physics C: Mechanics Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics
⁂   AP Physics C: Mechanics · Unit 5

5. Torque and Rotational Dynamics

10–15% of the AP exam. Key topics: Rotational kinematics: angular displacement, angular velocity, angular acceleration, Kinematic relationships between linear and rotational quantities: v = rω, a_t = rα, Torque: τ = r × F (magnitude τ = rF sinθ), Rotational inertia (moment of inertia): I = ∫r² dm, Parallel-axis theorem: I = I_cm + Md², Rotational equilibrium: Στ = 0, Newton's Second Law for rotation: τ_net = Iα, Connecting translational and rotational Newton's Second Law for systems with both.

10–15% exam weight standard track

Unit 5: Torque and Rotational Dynamics

Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.

Topics in this unit

  • Rotational kinematics: angular displacement, angular velocity, angular acceleration
  • Kinematic relationships between linear and rotational quantities: v = rω, a_t = rα
  • Torque: τ = r × F (magnitude τ = rF sinθ)
  • Rotational inertia (moment of inertia): I = ∫r² dm
  • Parallel-axis theorem: I = I_cm + Md²
  • Rotational equilibrium: Στ = 0
  • Newton's Second Law for rotation: τ_net = Iα
  • Connecting translational and rotational Newton's Second Law for systems with both