Torque Equation in terms of Angular Acceleration
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Torque Equation in terms of Angular Acceleration
For rotation about a fixed axis with constant I, the component of net torque about that axis is Στ_axis = Iα.
- Related Glossary Terms
Formal Definition of Moment, Moment, Moment Equation, Torque
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Must use net torque; vector τ=Iα is not a general rigid-body relation. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Torque
Torque describes a force’s turning effect about a chosen axis or point. Its magnitude is force times the perpendicular lever arm, and its direction or sign describes the rotation tendency. For example, pushing near the handle of a door produces more torque than the same perpendicular push near the hinge.
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Angular acceleration
Angular acceleration is the rate of change of angular velocity. For a fixed axis its sign follows the chosen positive rotation direction, and its units are radians per second squared. For example, a fan speeding up has angular acceleration, whereas one turning steadily does not.