Rotational Kinematics Problem Solver

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About This MicroSim

This interactive tool helps students solve rotational kinematics problems by visualizing the motion and showing real-time graphs. Enter known quantities and the tool calculates the unknowns using the four kinematic equations.

How to Use

1. Enter known values in the input fields (ω₀, α, t, θ₀)
2. Click Solve to calculate ω and θ
3. Click Animate to see the rotation
4. Use presets for common problem types

Key Features

• Animated rotating disk shows the actual motion
• Real-time graphs display ω vs. t (linear) and θ vs. t (parabolic)
• Equations panel shows all four kinematic equations
• Solution panel displays all calculated values

Lesson Plan

The Four Rotational Kinematic Equations

1. ω = ω₀ + αt
2. θ = θ₀ + ω₀t + ½αt²
3. ω² = ω₀² + 2α(θ - θ₀)
4. θ = θ₀ + ½(ω₀ + ω)t

Practice Problems

Try these scenarios using the simulator:

1. A wheel starts from rest and accelerates at 2 rad/s² for 5 seconds. Find the final angular velocity and total rotation.
2. A spinning top at 30 rad/s decelerates at -3 rad/s². How long until it stops? How many radians does it rotate?