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Rotation, also known as turning, is a fundamental concept in physics and mathematics that describes the movement of an object around a central point or axis. It is a type of motion where the object maintains a constant distance from the axis while changing its orientation. Rotation is characterized by its angular velocity, which is the rate of change of the angle of rotation, and its angular acceleration, which is the rate of change of the angular velocity.

In physics, rotation is a key component of rotational dynamics, which deals with the forces and torques acting on rotating objects. The principles of rotational motion are analogous to those of linear motion, with concepts such as moment of inertia, torque, and angular momentum playing crucial roles. The moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion, while torque is the rotational equivalent of force, causing an object to rotate. Angular momentum is a conserved quantity in rotational motion, similar to linear momentum in linear motion.

In mathematics, rotation is often studied in the context of geometry and linear algebra. A rotation in two dimensions can be represented by a 2x2 matrix, while in three dimensions, it can be represented by a 3x3 matrix or a quaternion. Rotations are also used in computer graphics and robotics to model the orientation of objects and the movement of robotic arms.

In everyday life, rotation is a common phenomenon. For example, the Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, causing day and night. The rotation of a wheel or a gear is essential for the functioning of many mechanical devices. The rotation of a planet around its star is a key factor in determining its climate and habitability.