Planetoids with Torque

In this lab we will make the planetoids game more realistic by allowing the space craft to spin around as it would if it were really traveling in space. So in addition to a rocket engine that can propel the space craft forward, the ship will have thrusters on the front and back that can provide torque to spin the ship either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Links to Activity

• Instructions for Planetoids with Torque
• Planetouds with Torque Code Editor

Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson students will…

• Apply rotational kinematic equations to code an object’s motion when force is applied at a distance from a fulcrum
• Apply Newton’s laws of motion to code how an object behaves under different net torque conditions
• Evaluate how changing mass, length, and thrust force can optimize spacecraft maneuverability

Planetoids with Torque Playlist