Physics Unit #5
Rotational Motion, Dynamics, and Gravity (Ch. 6, 7, 8, and 9)
The reading assignments and book problems come from Glencoe: Physics and
Problems (Zitzewitz, Haase, and Harper) (2013)
Topic 1: Centripetal Force (Ch. 6 pp. 159-163)
Objectives/Targets:
1. Linear and Angular Velocity
Knowledge of linear and angular velocity will be demonstrated by an ability to distinguish between them and explain how the
linear and angular distance traveled and velocity varies with radius.
i. Explain how the distance from the axis of rotation affect the linear distance and angular distance traveled.
ii. Distinguish between rotate and revolve.
iii. Explain how radial distance affects the linear velocity and angular velocity of an object.
2. Centripetal Acceleration
Knowledge of centripetal acceleration will be demonstrated by an ability to define centripetal acceleration and explain how
radial distance and speed affect centripetal acceleration of a revolving object.
i. Define centripetal acceleration.
ii. Explain how radial distance and linear and angular speed affect the magnitude of centripetal acceleration.
iii. Explain how centripetal acceleration affect centripetal force.
iv. Explain the motion of an object revolving around an axis when centripetal force ceases.
v. Explain why ‘centrifugal’ force is referred to as a ‘fictitious’ force.
vi. Explain how a simulated gravitational acceleration can be produced.
Lab 1: Spinning Stoppers Lab
Activity : Finding Critical Velocity in a Loop-the-Loop
Homework #5-1:
p. 163: 18, 21, 23
pp, 171-174: 55, 57, 58, 60, 62, 63, 78
Topic 2: Gravitation (Ch. 7 pp. 176-190)
1. Kepler’s Laws
a. Describe the motion of all planets as stated by Kepler’s 1st Law.
b. Describe the motion of all planets relating the speed and “area swept” by all planets as stated by Kepler’s 2nd Law.
c. Conceptually define Kepler’s 3rd Law as related by period and position.
2. Universal Law of Gravity
a. Conceptually define the Universal Law of Gravitation as related to and mass and separation distance.
b. Calculate a satellite’s period, speed, and gravitation on different planets.
c. Understand the nature of geosynchronous satellites
A Brief History of Astronomy (Notes)
The Copernican Revolution Reading and Seminar
Discuss Kepler’s Three Laws of Motion (Ch. 7 pp. 178-181)
Homework #5-2: Kepler’s Law Worksheet
Lab #2: Kepler’s Law Simulation (UNL Astronomy Department)
Law of Universal Gravitation Example Problems (Ch. 7 pp. 183-190)
Homework #5-3: Law of Universal Gravitation
p. 196-201: 33, 40, 42. 46, 61, 62, 85
Missions to Mars Updates (Video)
Topic 3: Rotational Motion (Ch. 8 pp. 203-218, Ch. 9 pp. 251-253)
1. Rotational Motion
a. To understand that every linear physics quantity has a rotational equivalent. (Apply to velocity, acceleration, force,
mass, momentum, and energy)
2, Torque Problems
a. To understand forces acting at a distance for simple systems (changing a tire, see-saw)
Rotational Motion Demos and Example Problems
Homework #5-4: Rotational Motion
pp. 228-233: 54, 56, 57, 58, 88
pp. 256-258: 40
Torque Example Problems
Homework #5-5: Torque
pp. 229-233: 64, 65, 66, 76, 90, 98
Test #5 : Rotational Motion