IBPhysicsHLRevision NotesSpace, Time & MotionRigid Body MechanicsAngular Impulse (HL)

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First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Angular Impulse (HL) (HL IB Physics)

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Angular Impulse

  • In linear motion, the resultant force on a body can be defined as the rate of change of linear momentum:

F space equals space fraction numerator increment p over denominator increment t end fraction

  • This leads to the definition of linear impulse:

An average resultant force F acting for a time increment t produces a change in linear momentum increment p

increment p space equals space F increment t space equals space increment open parentheses m v close parentheses

  • Similarly, the resultant torque on a body can be defined as the rate of change of angular momentum:

tau space equals space fraction numerator increment L over denominator increment t end fraction

  • Where:
    • tau = resultant torque on a body (N m)
    • increment L = change in angular momentum (kg m2 s−1)
    • increment t = time interval (s)
  • This leads to the definition of angular impulse:

An average resultant torque tau acting for a time increment t produces a change in angular momentum increment L

increment L space equals space tau increment t space equals space increment open parentheses I omega close parentheses

  • Angular impulse is measured in kg m2 s−1, or N m s
  • This equation requires the use of a constant resultant torque
    • If the resultant torque changes, then an average of the values must be used
  • Angular impulse describes the effect of a torque acting over a time interval
    • This means a small torque acting over a long time has the same effect as a large torque acting over a short time

Angular Impulse on a Torque-Time Graph

  • The area under a torque-time graph is equal to the angular impulse or the change in angular momentum

1-4-8--angular-impulse-on-a-torque-time-graph-ib-2025-physics

When the torque is not constant, the angular impulse is the area under a torque–time graph

Worked example

The graph shows the variation of time t with the net torque tau on an object which has a moment of inertia of 5.0 kg m2.

1-4-8-angular-impulse-graph-worked-example-ib-2025-physics

At t = 0, the object rotates with an angular velocity of 2.0 rad s−1 clockwise.

Determine the magnitude and direction of rotation of the angular velocity at t = 5 s.

In this question, take anticlockwise as the positive direction.

Answer:

Step 1: Use the graph to determine the angular impulse

  • The area under a torque-time graph is equal to angular impulse, or the change in angular momentum

increment L space equals space tau cross times increment t

1-4-8-angular-impulse-graph-worked-example-ma-ib-2025-physics

  • The area under the positive curve (triangle) = 1 half cross times 10 cross times 3 space equals space 15 space straight N space straight m space straight s
  • The area under the negative curve (rectangle) = negative 5 cross times 2 space equals space minus 10 space straight N space straight m space straight s
  • Therefore, the angular impulse, or change in angular momentum is

increment L space equals space 15 space minus space 10 space equals space 5 space straight N space straight m space straight s

Step 2: Write an expression for the change in angular momentum

  • The change in angular momentum is equal to

increment L space equals space increment open parentheses I omega close parentheses space equals space I open parentheses omega subscript f space minus space omega subscript i close parentheses

  • Where
    • Moment of inertia, I = 5.0 kg m2
    • Initial angular velocity, omega subscript i = −2.0 rad s−1 (clockwise is the negative direction)

Step 3: Calculate the final angular velocity

  • Therefore, when t = 5 s, the angular velocity is

5 cross times open parentheses omega subscript f space minus space open parentheses negative 2 close parentheses close parentheses space equals space 5

omega subscript f = −1.0 rad s−1 in the clockwise direction

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.