Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation

The third Rice mechanics course moves from translational motion to rotation and gravity. Rotational motion and angular momentum provide tools for describing extended objects, while universal gravitation connects mechanics with orbital behavior. This is sequential quantitative study rather than a broad documentary-style introduction to astronomy.

What you will learn

• Relate rotational quantities to translational analogues.
• Analyze angular momentum in a chosen system.
• Use a gravitational model to describe orbital motion.

Who this suits

The provider recommends algebra, trigonometry and the earlier courses in the sequence. Choose it after becoming comfortable with forces, energy and momentum.

Before you enroll

Rotating objects require care about the chosen axis and mass distribution. State those choices explicitly rather than substituting rotational symbols into a familiar equation.

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Put it into practice

Compare two rotating objects with the same mass but different distributions. Explain why equal torque need not produce equal angular acceleration and illustrate the reasoning with a simple model.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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