PHYS 1003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Cross Product
26 Dec 2017
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In a rigid body, each particle has a linear kinetic energy k. Total k is the sum of k of each particle. Rotational kinetic energy for rigid object is about fixed axis. Rotational /moment of inertia i if discrete particles or objects: (= mass in linear motion) In rotation around a fixed axis, rather than a force, there is a torque which is the agent which causes the object to change its rotational motion. Torque is cross product of displacement and force: Fingers in dir a, curl fingers in dir b, thumb gives axb. Torque is at a maximum when the force is perpendicular to the displacement vector r (sometimes called the lever arm). Torque is also larger, the further the force is applied from the centre of rotation.
