Moment of inertia of two objects after collision

In summary, the conversation is about a lab where two pucks collided and the students used a video capture system to record the velocity and rotation of the objects. They are now trying to find the moment of inertia for the combined system and are given a hint to use the Parallel Axis Theorem to solve for it.
  • #1
hwhanson
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Homework Statement



I am working on a lab i did. In the lab we tracked the motion of two pucks that collided. One puck collided into another stationary puck of equal mass in an inelastic collision. We used a video capture system to record the velocity of the pucks before and after collisions as well as the rotation of the two objects stuck together. The two objects are both like hockey pucks in shape and have equal mass and radius.


Homework Equations



I am unsure how to solve for the moment of inertia ( I ) after both pucks have stuck together.
 
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  • #2
Hello hwhanson,

Welcome to Physics Forums!

I assume you can find the moment of inertia for an individual disk spinning around its own axis (around its own center).

The Parallel Axis Theorem might help you find the moment of inertia of two identical disks stuck together, rotating around the center of mass of the combination.
 

FAQ: Moment of inertia of two objects after collision

What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion.

How is moment of inertia calculated?

The moment of inertia of an object is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its distance from the axis of rotation.

What happens to the moment of inertia when two objects collide?

The moment of inertia of two objects after a collision depends on the type of collision. In an elastic collision, the moment of inertia of the objects is conserved. In an inelastic collision, the moment of inertia may change due to the transfer of energy between the objects.

How does the moment of inertia affect the rotation of the objects after collision?

The moment of inertia affects the angular velocity of the objects after a collision. Objects with a larger moment of inertia will have a slower angular velocity compared to objects with a smaller moment of inertia.

Can the moment of inertia be negative?

No, the moment of inertia cannot be negative as it is a physical property of an object that cannot have a negative value.

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