Give a few examples of rotational motion.

Rotational motion occurs when an object spins about a fixed axis; examples include a spinning top, rotating fan blades, Earth’s rotation, and a wheel turning.

In rotational motion every point of a body moves in a circle around the same axis. It is described by angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration.

Common examples

• Rotation of ceiling fan or bicycle wheel
• Earth spinning on its axis (day and night)
• Blades of a wind turbine
• Rotating CD or hard disk
• Spinning top or gyroscope
• Door rotating on hinges (about an edge axis)

Formula relation

Linear velocity v = r × ω, where r is radius and ω is angular velocity.