Lesson Plan

Define angular acceleration α = Δω/Δt and apply the counterclockwise-positive sign convention

Relate tangential acceleration and angular acceleration using a = rα, and distinguish tangential from centripetal acceleration

State the rotational kinematics equations as analogs of the linear equations and use them to solve constant-α problems

Define torque and lever arm, and use τ = rF sinθ to compute torque

Explain how to maximize torque and why zero net torque means zero angular acceleration

6.3

"Angular acceleration $\vec{\alpha}$ is the rate of change of angular velocity." "Keep in mind that, by convention, counterclockwise is the positive direction and clockwise is the negative direction." "The kinematics of rotational motion describes the relationships between the angle of rotation, angular velocity, angular acceleration, and time." "The angular version of force is torque $\vec{\tau}$, which is the turning effectiveness of a force." "Torque is maximized by applying force perpendicular to the lever arm and at a point as far as possible from the pivot point or fulcrum. If torque is zero, angular acceleration is zero."