Challenging Physics Question (Mass moment of inertia, pendulum)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the mass moment of inertia (Io) of a baseball bat using pendular motion equations. The user employs the formula Io=(m*g*Lcg)/(w^2) and arrives at Io=1.05 kg*m². However, when applying the parallel axis theorem to find the mass moment of inertia about the center of gravity (Icg), the result is Icg=-0.045 kg*m², which contradicts physical laws. The user seeks clarification on potential errors in their calculations and whether alternative methods exist for determining Io.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mass moment of inertia and its significance in rotational dynamics
  • Familiarity with pendulum motion equations and their applications
  • Knowledge of the parallel axis theorem in physics
  • Basic grasp of angular velocity and its calculation from time period
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation and application of the parallel axis theorem in rotational dynamics
  • Study the principles of pendulum motion and its equations in detail
  • Explore alternative methods for calculating mass moment of inertia, such as direct measurement techniques
  • Investigate the implications of negative values in physical calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mechanical engineering, and anyone involved in the study of rotational dynamics and mass moment of inertia calculations.

patrat
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hello, as you can tell by the hour I have been at this problem for quite some time now.
I am trying to find the mass moment of inertia (rotational inertia) of a baseball bat; by means of using the equations for pendular motion. Here are the equations:

Distance from pendulum pivot to pendulum center of gravity:
Lcg=1.144 meter
Mass of pendulum:
m=0.840 kilogram
Time Period of pendulum:
T=2.1 seconds
Angular speed of pendulum (calculated from period):
w=2.99 radian/second
gravity:
g=9.81 meters/second^2
Mass moment of inertia about pendulum pivot:
Io=what the equations solve (kilogram*meter^2)

The equation is:
Io=(m*g*Lcg)/(w^2)
or equivalently
Io=((T^2)*m*g*Lcg)/(4*pi^2)

for this I get, everytime, Io=1.05 (kilogram*meter^2)

The trouble is coming though
Icg=mass moment of inertia about pendulum's center of gravity
parrallel axis theorem:
Io=Icg+m*Lcg^2
which becomes:
Icg=Io-m*Lcg^2

which spits out: Icg= -0.045 (kilogram*meter^2)

Thats right... a negative number. That violates intuition and the laws of physics for a physical solid. How did I break physics?

What did I do wrong and how do I fix it?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
patrat said:
I am trying to find the mass moment of inertia (rotational inertia) of a baseball bat; by means of using the equations for pendular motion.

Does it have to be by this means? If yes, I think it may be related to the 'breaking physics' part you mentioned later.
 
I have to solve the problem using the equations for pendular motion. I checked all my formulas with textbooks and the internet, and all my equations and values seem to line up...
 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K