What is the Correct Moment of Inertia for a Unit Density Lamina?

In summary, the task is to find the moment of inertia about the x-axis for a unit density lamina that is bounded by the curves y=\sqrt{4-x^2} and y=1-4x^2, as well as the x-axis. The correct solution involves two integrals, with the first one being 2\left \{ \int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}}}y^2 dy dx and the second one being \int_{0}^{1/2}\int_{0}^{1-4x^2}y^2 dy dx. The incorrect attempt at a solution only considers one integral, which does
  • #1
longrob
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Homework Statement


A lamina of unit density consists of the region between the two curves [tex]y=\sqrt{4-x^2}[/tex] and [tex]y=1-4x^2[/tex] and the x axis.
Find it's moment of inertia about the x-axis.

Homework Equations


This is the correct answer:
[tex]2\left \{ \int_{0}^{2}\int_{0}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}}}y^2 dy dx - \int_{0}^{1/2}\int_{0}^{1-4x^2}y^2 dy dx \right \}[/tex]
which I do understand.


The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]2\int_{0}^{2}\int_{1-4x^2}^{\sqrt{4-x^2}}y^2 dy dx[/tex]
I don't understand why this is wrong.

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
Because you only want the moment of inertia BETWEEN the two curves. 1-4x^2 is negative for x>1/2. Sketch a graph of the region you want. You have to split the integral into two parts.
 
  • #3
Thank you. That makes perfect sense !
 

1. What is a lamina?

A lamina is a two-dimensional object with a flat shape, such as a sheet of paper or a thin piece of metal.

2. What is the moment of inertia of a lamina?

The moment of inertia of a lamina is a measure of its resistance to rotational motion. It is a property of the lamina that depends on its mass distribution and the axis of rotation.

3. How is the moment of inertia of a lamina calculated?

The moment of inertia of a lamina can be calculated by integrating the mass of each infinitesimal element of the lamina multiplied by the square of its distance from the axis of rotation.

4. What factors affect the moment of inertia of a lamina?

The shape, size, and mass distribution of the lamina all affect its moment of inertia. Objects with a larger mass and/or a greater distance from the axis of rotation will have a larger moment of inertia.

5. Why is the moment of inertia of a lamina important?

The moment of inertia of a lamina is important in understanding the rotational motion of objects, such as in the design of machines and structures. It also plays a role in determining the stability and balance of an object.

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