Most motion in the universe is not simply linear motion: planets move in
ellipses around the sun, electrons rotate around a nucleus, masses oscillate,
particles vibrate. If we are to fully understand mechanics we must extend our
study to nonlinear kinds of motion.
In this SparkNote we begin by studying rotational motion. We first define
rotational motion
and generate variables
to describe that motion. Next, we develop kinematic
equations
relating these variables.
Though the mathematics of rotational motion might be a bit more complex, the
concepts behind it are quite similar to that of linear motion.
Our study of rotational motion will parallel that of linear motion. We will
derive the same concepts, generate similar formulas, and work similar problems.
However, with rotational motion we will spend much less time developing the
kinematics of rotational motion since we have already encountered the central
concepts.
