The rotational test is on Friday!

• We've only done three things this semester- describe motion (kinematics), study forces using Newton's laws (dynamics) and study the conservation of energy.  We looked at all three in linear systems and now weíve seen each in rotational systems.  The concepts are the same, only the variables have changed.
• In addition to thinking about the above three concepts, also look at the exercise/ problem solving hints scattered throughout the text.  These suggestions can help anybody solve a rotational problem, even if the final solution/ model isn't obvious.
• "Expert problem solvers" are those who do not try to immediately see the final result, but instead allow themselves to wander and experiment.  Donít let the examples of our text fool you- nobody ever solves a problem without making some mistakes or sidetracks.  (It may be possible to solve exercises in a linear fashion, but they are usually designed to have simpler solutions/ models.)
• "Expert problem solvers" tend to follow a general algorithm on every problem, rather than trying to invent new methods for each problem.  (Thus the reason for the "problem solving algorithm".)  Trust yourself, everybody in class knows enough physics to solve the problems, if you allow yourself.  Don't create unnecessary roadblocks.

Today-

• Look at the problem due today
• Study equilibrium (a.k.a. statics)- this is simply when we have no net force and no net torque (a and a are equal to zero)