Chapter 13: Dynamics of a Rigid Body

Study Plan

Some of the questions we can address with the concepts developed in this chapter are:

  • When initially placed in orbit, the rotor is at rest. What torque and what force are needed to spin up this gyroscope with a given angular acceleration? (Example 4, page 401)
  • A rotating body, such as this rotor, has not only kinetic energy, but also an angular momentum, which is the rotational analog of the linear momentum introduced in Chapter 10. How is the angular momentum of the gyroscope expressed in terms of its angular velocity? (Example 8, page 406)
  • The gyroscope is used like a compass, to establish a reference direction in space. How does a gyroscope maintain a fixed reference direction? (Physics in Practice: The Gyrocompass, page 414)

Organize

  1. Prepare for lecture by reading the assigned sections from Chapter 13 in your textbook or ebook. This will provide an organizing framework for concepts introduced in lecture, and help you take better notes.
  2. Take the checkup quiz and work the Checkup questions in your textbook to assess your understanding of basic concepts. Take note of any topics you need to review further.
  3. Review the Examples from your textbook. These progress from simple to complex, and provide concrete illustrations of the concepts discussed.
  4. Review the Problem Solving Techniques boxes on Torques and Rotational Motion and on Conservation of Angular Momentum from your textbook.

Learn

  1. Re-read Chapter 13 and review your lecture notes.
  2. Use the FlashCards to test your memory for new key terms and equations.
  3. Work the end of chapter Problems and Review Problems assigned by your instructor. If your instructor has assigned SmartWork online homework, login from the right navigation pane.

Connect

  1. Throughout the text Physics in Practice boxes explore real-world applications of core concepts in specific detail. In Chapter 13 see:
    Concept in Context Physics in Practice: The Gyrocompass
  2. Physics in the News offers additional real-world physics applications, and a daily dose of science-based news.

Section Menu

Organize

Learn

Connect

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