Moment of inertia with varying density

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the moment of inertia for a sphere with varying density, specifically where density is defined as a constant multiplied by the radius (d = cr). The user applied the mass element formula dm = 4π(d)r²dr and integrated to derive the moment of inertia, arriving at 2/15mr². However, other participants suggested that this result appears too low, with one participant calculating 1/2Mr² and another arriving at 4/9MR², indicating a need to verify the constant c used in the calculations.

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  • Understanding of moment of inertia concepts
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of density functions in physics
  • Experience with spherical coordinates in physics
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I had to find the moment of inertia of a sphere of varying density where the density is some constant times the radius.

I used the equations from here

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/isph.html

I inserted this d=cr in for the density.

For the mass I used dm=4(pi)(d)r^2dr, inserted the density, integrated and solved for c.

After substitution I the answer I got was 2/15mr^2.

Does this sound right?
 
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The answer should be between the solid sphere value and the thin shell value, so your answer is too small. I did a rough calculation and got 1/2Mr^2.

Can you show more of your working ?
 
your dm element seems ok if you are taking thin shell as your differential element. I got [tex]\frac{4}{9} MR^2[/tex]. you should check whether you have got constant c correct.
 

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