Contextualization

Introduction to Angular Displacement

Angular displacement is a key concept in the study of physics, specifically in the field of rotational mechanics. When we talk about motion, we usually think of objects moving from one place to another in a straight line, this is what we call linear displacement. However, not all movements follow this logic, many of the movements that we observe daily are rotational, that is, they involve an object rotating around an axis. These rotational movements have to do with angular displacement.

In simple terms, the angular displacement of a body in rotational motion is the measure of how much the body has moved around the axis of motion. It is usually measured in radians or degrees. Throughout this project, we will explore the different forms and concepts underlying this type of movement, understand the difference between angular and linear displacement, and how to calculate angular displacement.

Importance and Application of Angular Displacement

In everyday life, we observe many examples of angular displacement. From the wheels of a bicycle or car moving to the movement of the hands of a clock, all are examples of rotational motion. These movements are fundamental to a variety of mechanical and electrical technologies that we use every day.

In addition, the concept of angular displacement is crucial in the engineering and design of many devices, such as wind turbines, electric motors, and mechanical tools. Also, in the aerospace industry, angular displacement is a fundamental piece to understand and control the rotation of satellites and spaceships. Through the understanding of this concept, engineers can design more efficient and innovative systems.

Here are some reliable resources for you to learn more about angular displacement and its application:

1. Book: Halliday, D.; Resnick, R.; Walker, J. Fundamentals of Physics. 8th ed. LTC. Chapter 10 - Rotation.
2. Video: Angular Displacement - Physics World
3. Website: Circular motion - Brazil School

Practical Activity - "Angular Displacement in the Wheels of Life"

Project Objective

This project aims to understand and calculate angular displacement, differentiate it from linear displacement, and explore its practical applications in industry and sustainability. Students will be challenged to design and build a model vehicle powered by clean energy (such as wind or solar energy) and calculate the angular displacement of its wheels under different conditions.

Detailed Project Description

This is a group project where each group will have 3 to 5 students. Each group will be challenged to design and build a small vehicle using recycled materials and a clean energy source. The vehicle should be designed in such a way that it can move from one position to another.

The group must record all the steps of the design and construction process, as well as the challenges faced and how they overcame them. They should, during the development of the project, calculate the angular displacement of the vehicle's wheels under different conditions (e.g., on flat ground, on a slope, etc.) and compare it to the linear displacement.

At the end of the project, students must produce a scientific report detailing the design, the methodology used, the angular and linear displacement calculations performed, and the conclusions drawn from this. In addition, the report should also contain a reflective view on the importance of applying physical concepts to socio-environmental, political, and economic issues related to the world's current dependence on non-renewable resources.

Required Materials

1. Recycled materials (such as popsicle sticks, cardboard boxes, bottle caps, etc.)
2. Clean energy source (such as a small solar panel, a small wind generator, etc.)
3. Rope or twine
4. Ruler or measuring tape
5. Pen and paper to document the process and results
6. Calculator
7. Digital camera to capture images of the vehicle and the construction process (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step to Carry Out the Work

1. Design Stage: Each group should design their vehicle using the available materials. The design should be documented in detail, including schematic drawings and descriptions of the thought process.

2. Construction Stage: The group should then build the vehicle according to the design. They should document each step of the construction process, including any changes made to the original design.

3. Testing Stage : The group should test the vehicle under different conditions (flat ground, slope, etc.), documenting the vehicle's movement and the distances traveled.

4. Calculation Stage: The group should then calculate the angular displacement of the vehicle's wheels in each test scenario and compare it to the linear displacement. They should also discuss the differences between the two and their implications.

5. Report Preparation: Finally, the group should compile all of their findings, calculations, and reflections in a detailed scientific report. The report should follow the standard structure of a scientific report: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

Project Deliverables

1. Recycled Vehicle : The vehicle built by the students from recycled materials.

2. Scientific Report: A detailed scientific report that presents the project, the methodology used, the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. The report should include:

   • Introduction: Contextualize the angular displacement, its importance and application, and the project objective.

   • Development: Explain the vehicle's design, construction, and testing process. Present the angular and linear displacement calculations performed and compare them.

   • Conclusion: Conclude the work, reviewing the main points, explaining the lessons learned, and the conclusions drawn about the project.

   • Bibliography: Indicate the sources that were used to work on the project.

3. Team Self-Assessment: Students should assess the team's performance, reflecting on teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and communication.

4. Project Reflection: Finally, students should reflect on the importance of angular displacement in the project and how the physical concepts addressed relate to the world's current dependence on non-renewable resources and the need for the introduction of alternatives and new energy technologies.