Deriving Rotational Energy Equation for Rigid Bodies

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the rotational energy equation for rigid bodies, specifically showing that E = 1/2 I ω², where I is the moment of inertia. The user starts by relating linear kinetic energy to rotational motion using v = ωr and expresses confusion about linking the moment of inertia with the energy equation. They clarify that the mass of a small volume element is given by dm = ρ dV and proceed to integrate to find the moment of inertia. After substituting and simplifying, they arrive at the correct expression for rotational energy, confirming their understanding of the derivation process. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between linear and rotational dynamics in rigid body motion.
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Hello, I think I've got the right idea on how to perform this question but I just need a little bit of help.

Homework Statement



Show that for a rigid body rotating with angular velocity \omega the energy of rotation may be written as:
E = \dfrac {1}{2}I\omega^{2}

where the moment of inertia of the body about the axis of rotation is given by:
I = \int dV \rho r^{2}

where r is the distance from the rotation axis to the volume element dV and \rho is the density of the object in that region



Homework Equations


E = \dfrac {1}{2} mv^{2}
v = \omega r
I = \int r^{2} dm


The Attempt at a Solution



I can firstly identify that

E = \dfrac {1}{2} mv^{2} which looks similar to the rotation energy equation.

I know that
v = \omega r

But what's confusing me is that usually, the moment of Inertia is represented as
I = \int r^{2} dm and I don't really know how to link the two.

Substiting angular velocity into the energy equation

E = \dfrac {1}{2} m(r\omega)^{2}

but where do I go now?

Thanks
 
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So if you have a little volume dV at radius r, its mass is rho*dV, right? What is the kinetic energy of this little piece? For the total energy you should then sum (read: integrate) all these pieces.
 
Thanks for the reply CompuChip, sorry for this late reply. I took onboard what you said, perhaps you could verify my answer.

I have v = \omega r

I = \int dV \rho r^{2}

dm = \rho dV

I = \int \dfrac {dm}{\rho} \rho r^{2}

I = \int dm r^{2}

I = r^{2} \int dm

I = r^{2}m

m = \dfrac {I}{r^{2}}

E = \dfrac {1}{2} m v^{2}

E = \dfrac {1}{2} m \omega^{2} r^{2}

E = \dfrac {1}{2} \dfrac {I}{r^{2}} \omega^{2} r^{2}

E = \dfrac {1}{2} I \omega^{2}

Is that the best way?
 
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