Rotational Dynamics-Moment of inertia

In summary, the moment of inertia for a meter stick of mass 0.44kg rotating in the horizontal plane about a vertical axis passing through the 30cm mark can be determined using the formula I=1/12ML2+M(0.2)2, where M is the mass of the stick and L is its total length. This can also be solved using the parallel axis theorem, but it is not necessary for this basic course.
  • #1
janelle1905
25
0

Homework Statement


A meter stick of mass 0.44kg rotates in the horizontal plane about a vertical axis passing through the 30cm mark. What is the moment of intertia of the stick? (Treat it as a long uniform rod).


Homework Equations


Moment of inertia for a long uniform rod (axis through center): (1/12)ML2
Moment of inertia for a long uniform rod (axis through end): (1/3)ML2
I=mr2

The Attempt at a Solution



LA=1.0m;
LB=0.70m (I'm not sure how to determine the length/axis for LB?)
I=1/3LA2 + 1/3LB2
I=1/3(1.0)2 + 1/3(0.70)2
I= 0.50 m x N
 
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  • #2
[tex]L_{B} = 0.2m [/tex] (distance between center of mass and axis if you use moment of inertia on center)

[tex]I = \frac{1}{12}ML^2 + M(0.2)^2 [/tex]
 
  • #3
Ok thanks.

However, wouldn't the formula for both terms on the right side of the equation be 1/12ML2 (I.e., LA and LB, respectively)

Also, if the L is determined by the distance from the centre of gravity, does that mean LA=0.5? or does is it still equal to 1.0?

Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I understand this.
 
  • #4
janelle1905 said:
Ok thanks.

However, wouldn't the formula for both terms on the right side of the equation be 1/12ML2 (I.e., LA and LB, respectively)

Also, if the L is determined by the distance from the centre of gravity, does that mean LA=0.5? or does is it still equal to 1.0?

Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I understand this.

The parallel axis theorem: I=Ic+mr2

r= distance from the centre of rotation

Ic= moment of inertia about the centre.
 
  • #5
rock.freak667 said:
The parallel axis theorem: I=Ic+mr2

r= distance from the centre of rotation

Ic= moment of inertia about the centre.

I'm not sure what the parallel axis theorem is, as we haven't covered it in any of the lessons for this course...Is there a way to solve the problem without that theorem?
Thanks :)
 
  • #6
of course, you can always use its definition:

[tex] I = \int_{M} r^2dm[/tex]
 
  • #7
kyiydnlm said:
of course, you can always use its definition:

[tex] I = \int_{M} r^2dm[/tex]

The course I am in is a very basic course, and as such, calculus is outside the scope of this course. The only formulas we have been given are for moment of inertia (i.e. I=1/12ML2, etc.) Can the problem be solved using those formulas?

Thanks very much for your help though :)
 
  • #8
janelle1905 said:
The course I am in is a very basic course, and as such, calculus is outside the scope of this course. The only formulas we have been given are for moment of inertia (i.e. I=1/12ML2, etc.) Can the problem be solved using those formulas?

Thanks very much for your help though :)

It can. You know the moment of inertia about the centre as being 1/12 ML2.


You want to move the axis to 0.3m mark. At the centre, the axis is at 0.5m. So the distance from the centre to the 0.3m mark is 0.2m.

So the moment of interia about the 0.3m mark = 1/12 ML2+ M(0.2)2

Which is how kyiydnlm got the answer.
 
  • #9
Oh okay - thanks I understand what you're saying now.

For the eq'n: 1/12 ML2+ M(0.2)2

Will the L be equal to the full distance of 1.0m, or will it equal 0.30 (the distance from the end to the axis)?
 
  • #10
janelle1905 said:
Oh okay - thanks I understand what you're saying now.

For the eq'n: 1/12 ML2+ M(0.2)2

Will the L be equal to the full distance of 1.0m, or will it equal 0.30 (the distance from the end to the axis)?

L is the total length of the rod...or metre stick as it may be
 
  • #11
Okay, thanks for all your help!
 

FAQ: Rotational Dynamics-Moment of inertia

What is rotational dynamics?

Rotational dynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of objects that rotate around an axis, such as a spinning top or a rotating wheel. It involves concepts such as angular velocity, torque, and moment of inertia.

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 both the mass and distribution of the object's mass around its axis of rotation.

How is moment of inertia calculated?

The moment of inertia of a point mass is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the square of its distance from the axis of rotation. For a more complex object, the moment of inertia can be found by integrating the mass distribution over the entire object.

How does moment of inertia affect rotational motion?

Moment of inertia plays a crucial role in rotational motion, as it determines how much torque is needed to produce a certain angular acceleration. Objects with a higher moment of inertia will require more torque to achieve the same change in rotational motion compared to objects with a lower moment of inertia.

What are some real-life applications of rotational dynamics and moment of inertia?

Rotational dynamics and moment of inertia have many real-world applications, such as in designing machinery, analyzing the stability of structures, and understanding the motion of celestial bodies. They are also essential in sports, such as figure skating and gymnastics, where rotational motion is a key component of the movements.

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