Theme A: Space, time and motion

IB Physics A.4 Rigid body mechanics: practice questions and video explanations

Rotation of extended bodies: torque, rotational equilibrium, moment of inertia, angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy.

HL onlyFree to practise

What you need to know for A.4 Rigid body mechanics

  • Calculate torque and apply the conditions for equilibrium
  • Use angular displacement, velocity and acceleration with the rotational equations of motion
  • Apply Newton’s second law for rotation with moment of inertia
  • Use conservation of angular momentum and angular impulse
  • Include rotational kinetic energy, for example in rolling without slipping

A.4 Rigid body mechanics questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
20
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
17
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
3
Free to try
17

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practise A.4 (HL)

Try a free A.4 Rigid body mechanics question

Real questions from the question bank. Choose an answer and check it, then see the mark scheme and the video explanation.

Free question · 1 of 3Topic A.4Paper 1 styleEasy
What are the fundamental SI units for angular impulse?
Choose your answer

More from theme A: Space, time and motion

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.