Do Solid Cylinders and Cylindrical Sections Have the Same Rotational Inertia?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that a solid cylinder and a cylindrical section with equal radii and mass can be assumed to have the same rotational inertia. The derived formula for the rotational inertia of both objects is .5MR², indicating that the mass distribution across the radius is equivalent. The angle measure in the cylindrical section's formula cancels out, supporting the conclusion that both shapes exhibit identical rotational characteristics when mass and radius are equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational inertia and its significance in physics.
  • Familiarity with the formula for rotational inertia: I = .5MR².
  • Basic knowledge of geometry, particularly regarding cylinders and their sections.
  • Concept of mass distribution and its effect on rotational dynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of rotational inertia formulas for various geometric shapes.
  • Study the principles of rotational dynamics and their applications in engineering.
  • Investigate the effects of mass distribution on the stability of rotating bodies.
  • Learn about the applications of rotational inertia in real-world scenarios, such as machinery and vehicle dynamics.
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Students of physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of rotational dynamics and their applications in real-world scenarios.

Zarathustra1
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Let's assume for a moment that we have two objects: a solid cylinder rotating about the center, and a section of a cylinder with a given angle rotating about the center of the would-be cylinder (had it been a full cylinder). They have an equal radii, and we will modify their mass-densities in such a way that the cylinder and the cylindrical section have equal masses.

We can conclude that the mass distribution across the radius is equal in both objects. As such, would it be safe to assume they have the same rotational inertias?

If I did my math correctly, then yes. I attempted to derive a formula for the rotational inertia of a cylindrical section, and it turned out to be same formula for that of a full cylinder: .5MR^2. I was a little intrigued to see that the angle measure canceled out in the process, but it sort of makes sense. Anyone want to verify this?

(Although this question occurred to me after doing a related homework problem, it isn't a homework problem itself, so I hope this is the proper forum for this question.)
 
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Is this section of a cylinder rotating about its center of mass? Is the section shaped sort of like a piece of pie?
 

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