Physics - Rotational Motion 2 - Dynamics - College and AP

This course is one of several Mousseau Physics courses designed for AP Physics, introductory college physics, and advanced high school physics. In this course we focus on rotational dynamics, which explains how torques cause changes in rotational motion. Students will study torque, lever arms, rotational inertia, net torque, angular acceleration, rotational forms of Newton's second law, and rotational equilibrium.

The videos and resources include clear lectures, diagrams, and worked out example problems. Students will practice identifying forces that create torque, choosing the correct lever arm, setting up net torque equations, and connecting linear force ideas to rotational motion. The course emphasizes careful diagrams and organized problem solving because small setup mistakes can completely change a torque problem.

This course is a strong fit for AP Physics 1 students, AP Physics C Mechanics students who want algebra based reinforcement, and introductory college physics students. It does not require calculus. It is especially helpful for students who understand Newton's laws in straight line motion but feel less sure when forces cause rotation.

By the end of the course, students should be more comfortable explaining how forces cause rotation, solving torque and rotational dynamics problems, analyzing equilibrium situations, and preparing for later work involving rotational energy, rolling motion, angular momentum, and more advanced mechanics applications.

Students can work straight through the course as a full unit or use individual lessons as targeted support alongside a class. The videos are built to be paused, rewound, and practiced with pencil and paper, so the course works well for homework help, test review, exam preparation, or rebuilding a topic that did not fully click the first time.