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
The rotational work-energy theorem states that the net work done on an object rotating about a fixed axis is equal to the change in its rotational kinetic energy.
Related terms
Angular Momentum: Angular momentum is the measure of an object's tendency to keep rotating at a constant speed around an axis. It depends on both the mass and distribution of mass of the object.
Torque is the measure of how effectively a force can cause an object to rotate. It depends on both the magnitude and direction of the applied force as well as the distance from the axis of rotation.