UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Physics » A Simple Note on Combined Translational and Rotational Motion

A Simple Note on Combined Translational and Rotational Motion

In delving into the study, the concepts associated with “Combined Translational and Rotational Motion” are effectively explored with the discussion of day to day examples of life. Moreover, this study intends to provide a vast picture that will help in a better acknowledgement of the concepts associated with motions. In addition to these, an in-depth focus will be given to analyzing a few significant concepts such as torque, rolling and as well as angular momentum. It needs to be noted that rolling a wheel on the road may not be always considered a rotational motion if the wheel seems to slip away.

Main Body 

Understanding all about Combined Translational and Rotational Motion

Several phenomena are acknowledged in kinetics, rolling is one of them that can be referred to as a special case of motion in physics. The other name for combined translational and rotational motion is known as rolling and is distinctly different from the motion of slipping. For example, when a car is driving on the dry road, that is, rolling without slipping. Another vivid example would be a pool ball rolling from one side, not the other end of the table. This situation is referred to as special because it shows two phenomena of varied notions that are exhibited by a single given object. 

What Is Combined Motion?

In simpler words, combined motion refers to two distinctly varied sets of motions that are evidenced by a given body in motion. One most common example of combined motion is wheels of a cycle in motion. This is because the motion causes both rotations as well as rectilinear motion. This motion can also be termed a mixed motion in kinetics. 

Examples of Translational and Rotational Motion

Several examples are noted in our daily lives that cater to display such a combination of translational and rotational motions that are as follows.

  • When a car moves in a straight line, it can be considered both translational and rotational motion
  • When fired, the bullet from a gun, when triggered or fired shows combined motions
  • When wheel rotates on an axis
  • The opening and closing of doors of a room or car, that is in motion from its hinges at one end
  • Spinning top that is noticed when “Ferris Wheel” is in motion and many more.

Translational Speed Definition

In kinetics, the motion associated with the given body that helps it move to change its position from one point place to another within space can be termed translational speed.  The best example that will cater for better understanding is that of a bullet that is being fired from a gun. This is because the bullet triggered from the gun displays a rectilinear motion as it moves aligning a straight line. In order to solve this, translational speed within a centre of mass can be denoted by “small omega”. It also needs to be noted that the notion of rolling constitutes pure motion of translation from all its points. Moreover, in physics, omega can also be defined as angular frequency.

Combined Translational and Rotational Motion of a Rigid Body

In order to define the combined translational and rotational motions of a rigid body, it is noted that rigid bodies are fixed at a pivotal point. When the rigid body is considered to have combined motion then it is also referred to as pure translation of combined motions. For example, tension associated with a string.

Difference between Translational and Rotational Motion

In translation motion, the body conducts equal displacement under an equal time. On the other hand, in rotational motion, a given body conducts equal angular displacement within a particular time. The movement will be uniform instead of rotation for translational motion.

Conclusion 

In concluding the study, it is also noticed that rolling a wheel is not just a simple aspect of physics. It is an example of the phenomenon of combined motions that consists of both translational as well as rotational motions. In making an effective discussion, the notions associated with “pure rotational motion” and the “combination of translational and rotational motions” are explored. It needs to be noted that, if the wheel slips away on the road it will not be considered a combined motion. This study has successively provided a better understanding with the support of day to day life examples.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What is angular momentum?

In kinetics, the notion of angular momentum can be simply defined as a physical quality that is possessed by a given...Read full

How can we determine the kinetic energy for a body of combined motion?

It is noted that the principle for finding kinetic energy associated with the given body is an additive of the combi...Read full

What happens in determining the kinetic energy of a rigid body?

It needs to be noted that for a rigid body, it is difficult to find the kinetic energy as the combination of transla...Read full

What are rigid bodies in terms of physics?

The given object of the body is said to be rigid, only when there occurs no deformation of the body. In other words,...Read full