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Concordian International School

IBDP Physics (2025): A.4 Rigid body mechanics (HL only)

This guide is for the DP Physics syllabus with first assessments in 2025

A.4 Rigid body mechanics (HL only)

Demos and simulations

All objects have the same mass.

Which one will reach the bottom first?

Click "Run"

Explain why this happens.

Without changing the Radius, Mass, or Force (so Torque is constant), run the simulation for the 4 different objects. Observe the resulting angular acceleration.

Order the objects from LOW moment of inertia to HIGH moment of inertia.

The kinetic energy for the system is constant. What happens to the angular speed when you:

  1. Bring the person closer to the center? Why
  2. Increase the mass or the person? Why?

 

Play the video below.

How can you explain the phenomenon with the help of the angular momentum?

  1. Choose velocity vs time graph
  2. The orange ball will slide to the left on the teal (slippery) surface and start rolling once it reaches the black surface. 

Will the translational velocity decrease/stay the same/increase as the ball starts rotating on the black surface? Why?

Click Play to verify.