Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Rotational work and energy refer to the transfer or transformation of energy associated with rotating objects. It involves applying torque over a distance, resulting in changes in rotational kinetic energy.
Power measures how quickly work is done or how quickly energy is transferred or transformed. In rotational systems, it represents how fast torque can be applied.
Conservation of Mechanical Energy: Just as mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) is conserved in linear systems, it also holds true for rotational systems where rotational kinetic energy can be converted into potential rotational energy without any external forces acting.
Rolling Motion: Rolling motion occurs when an object simultaneously rotates and translates without slipping. It involves the conversion of both linear and rotational kinetic energy.