Understanding Center of Rotation
Choose your learning level
Watch & Learn
Video explanation of this concept
concept. Use space or enter to play video.
Beginner
Start here! Easy to understand
Beginner Explanation
A center of rotation is a point around which an object rotates, or spins. The distance from the center to any point on the object remains constant throughout the rotation.
Now showing Beginner level explanation.
Practice Problems
Test your understanding with practice problems
2
Real-World Problem
Question Exercise
Intermediate
Dance Class Scenario
You're a choreographer teaching a dancer to spin. You tell the dancer that her body is like a geometric figure, and her foot that stays on the ground is the center of rotation. How can you explain why her distance from her foot (center of rotation) should remain constant during the spin?
Click to reveal the detailed solution for this question exercise.
3
Thinking Challenge
Thinking Exercise
Intermediate
Think About This
Imagine a figure skater spinning on ice. If the skater extends their arms during the spin, what happens to their rate of rotation? Answer this question considering the laws of conservation of angular momentum.
Click to reveal the detailed explanation for this thinking exercise.
4
Challenge Quiz
Single Choice Quiz
Advanced
In advanced mechanics, can the center of rotation shift and is not necessarily a fixed point?
Please select an answer for all 1 questions before checking your answers. 1 question remaining.
Recap
Watch & Learn
Review key concepts and takeaways
recap. Use space or enter to play video.