Moment of Inertia and kinetic energy question

In summary, moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion and is dependent on its mass, shape, and distribution of mass. It is related to an object's kinetic energy, with higher moments of inertia requiring more energy to rotate at the same speed. Factors that affect moment of inertia include mass, shape, and distribution of mass, with larger masses, more complex shapes, and more spread out masses resulting in higher moments of inertia. Moment of inertia can be calculated using specific formulas for simple shapes or by dividing a complex shape into smaller, simpler shapes. Additionally, an object's moment of inertia can be changed by altering its mass, shape, or distribution of mass.
  • #1
kpengin
1
0

Homework Statement


The flywheel of a gasoline engine is required to give up 550 of kinetic energy while its angular speed decreases from 720 to 400 .
What moment of inertia is required?


Homework Equations


K=(1/2)Iw^2


The Attempt at a Solution


K=550J
I'm not sure how to get the w value since the velocity is changing.
I tried:
550=(1/2)I(320)^2
then solving for I
I=0.0107
but this is not correct.
 
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  • #2
kpengin said:
I tried:
550=(1/2)I(320)^2
The right hand side is incorrect. You want Δ((1/2)Iw^2), not (1/2)I(Δw)^2.
 

FAQ: Moment of Inertia and kinetic energy question

What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It depends on an object's mass, shape, and distribution of mass.

How is moment of inertia related to kinetic energy?

The moment of inertia determines how much kinetic energy an object has when it is in rotational motion. Objects with higher moments of inertia require more energy to rotate at the same speed compared to objects with lower moments of inertia.

What factors affect the moment of inertia?

The moment of inertia is affected by an object's mass, shape, and distribution of mass. Objects with larger masses, more complex shapes, and more spread out masses have higher moments of inertia.

How do you calculate moment of inertia?

The formula for moment of inertia depends on the shape of the object. For simple shapes like a sphere, cylinder, or rectangular solid, there are specific formulas. For more complex shapes, the moment of inertia can be calculated by dividing the object into smaller, simpler shapes and using the appropriate formulas for each shape.

Can you change an object's moment of inertia?

Yes, an object's moment of inertia can be changed by altering its mass, shape, or distribution of mass. For example, adding weight to an object or changing its shape can change its moment of inertia and therefore affect its rotational motion and kinetic energy.

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