IB Sports, exercise and health science B.2.1.2 Angular Motion, Angular Momentum, and Rotational Control Key Definitions

Angular acceleration is the rate at which angular velocity changes over time.

Angular displacement refers to the change in the angular position of a rotating body.

Angular momentum measures the amount of rotational motion an object has or can achieve.

The motion of a body about a fixed point or fixed axis

Angular velocity measures the rate at which an object rotates around an axis.

Conservation of angular momentum is a physical property of a spinning system such that its spin remains constant unless it is acted upon by an external torque

An attractive force that acts between objects with mass. Proportional to mass, inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Effects of Gravity: Causes planetary orbits and is responsible for the Earth’s attraction to objects near its surface.

Instantaneous acceleration is the rate of change of velocity at a specific instant in time.

Velocity measured over an extremely short time interval ("instant").

Force applied over a period of time. Formula: J=FΔt where: FF = force (N) and ΔtΔt = time duration (s). Also a vector quantity.

Property of an object due to its movement. Formula: p=mv, where: mm = mass (kg) and vv = velocity (m/s). Vector quantity (has both size and direction). Measured in kg·m/s.

The moment of inertia measures how difficult it is for an object or body to rotate around an axis.

In sports biomechanics, impulse direction refers to the way force is applied to an object to control its movement. For example, in soccer, the direction and magnitude of a kick determine where the ball goes. Impulse acts as a "pushing force," and its direction is crucial in guiding the ball’s trajectory.

Determined by the sum of all forces acting on an object. Direction and magnitude of forces influence height and speed. Adjusting technique can optimize trampoline force and minimize gravity’s effect.

Torque, or the moment of force, occurs when a force is applied to an object that can rotate around an axis.