Computing the polar moment of inertia (calculus)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on computing the polar moment of inertia using both polar and rectangular coordinates. The correct calculation using polar coordinates yields a result of ##I_O = \sqrt{3}/2##, while the initial rectangular coordinate approach incorrectly resulted in ##I_O = 7/6##. The error in the rectangular method was identified as an incorrect slope in the integration limits, which was later corrected to yield the same result as the polar method. This highlights the importance of choosing the appropriate coordinate system for solving problems in calculus.

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  • Understanding of polar coordinates in calculus
  • Familiarity with the concept of moment of inertia
  • Proficiency in double integration techniques
  • Knowledge of rectangular coordinates and their applications
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  • Study the derivation of the polar moment of inertia in various shapes
  • Learn about the applications of polar coordinates in physics and engineering
  • Explore advanced integration techniques in calculus
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working on problems involving moments of inertia and integration techniques. This discussion is particularly beneficial for those looking to deepen their understanding of coordinate systems in calculus.

Leo Liu
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Homework Statement
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Relevant Equations
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Question:
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Diagram:
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So the common approach to this problem is using polar coordinates.
The definition of infinitesimal rotational inertia at O is ##dI_O=r^2\sigma\, dA##. Therefore the r. inertia of the triangle is
$$I_O=\int_{0}^{\pi/3}\int_{0}^{\sec\theta}r^2r\,drd\theta$$
whose value is ##=\sqrt 3 /2##.

But when I used rectangular coordinates to solve this problem, I got a different answer. The steps are shown below.
$$\xcancel{\begin{aligned}
I_O&=\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{2x}x^2+y^2\,dydx\\
&=\int_0^1x^2y+\frac{y^3} 3\Bigg|_0^{2x}dx\\
&=\int_0^12x^3+\frac 8 3x^3\,dx\\
&=\frac{x^4} 2+\frac 2 3x^4\Bigg|_0^1=\frac 7 6
\end{aligned}}$$
Can someone please tell me where my mistakes are? Thanks!

Edit:
$$\begin{aligned}
I_O&=\int_{0}^{1}\int_{0}^{\sqrt 3 x}x^2+y^2\,dydx\\
&=\int_0^1x^2y+\frac{y^3} 3\Bigg|_0^{\sqrt 3 x}dx\\
&=\int_0^1 \sqrt 3 x^3+\sqrt 3 x^3\,dx\\
&=\frac{2\sqrt 3}{4}=\frac{\sqrt 3}2
\end{aligned}$$
 
Last edited:
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Perhaps the slope of the line is not 2 but a little less ... :wink:
 
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