The key feature of rotational motion, as will be seen, is that the description of dynamic phenomena differs for observers in inertial and rotating frames of reference.  It is this difference that accounts for the appearance of the so-called Coriolis and centrifugal forces.  One of the most obvious rotating frames of reference is a frame fixed on the surface of the (rotating) planet earth.  The Coriolis force in particular gives rise to some small but detectable deviations from the predictions of mechanics in inertial reference frames.

In the first article, the concept of a coordinate system is introduced, along with the basic properties of vectors.  The second article discusses one of the key manifestations of non-inertial frames, namely the appearance of inertial, or “fictitious” forces.  The third article discusses the mathematical description of rotation, and how this can be applied to a frame of reference.  The fourth article derives an important result that relates the description of dynamic phenomena for observers in inertial and rotating frames of reference, and how this leads to the Coriolis and centrifugal forces.  The final two articles discuss the mechanics of projectiles in a rotating reference frame, in particular how the Coriolis force affects the motion of the projectile, compared with the usual results obtained by considering projectile motion in an inertial frame.

Note that the words and interpretation here are my own.  I have made no attempt at a rigorous mathematical treatment, such as would be found in formal texts on mechanics.  My aim is to convey the aspects that interest me, but which nevertheless are crucial to an understanding of rotational motion.

Coordinate systems and Vectors

Inertial Forces

Rotation and Angular Velocity

Coriolis and Centrifugal Forces

Theory of Projectile Motion

Examples of Projectile Motion