Help Deriving formula for moment of inertia lab

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the formula for the moment of inertia in a lab setting, specifically the equation I = mgb/al - mb². The user initially struggles with the derivation, starting from the net force equation Fnet = ma and the torque equation Tnet = I*al. After some back-and-forth, the user realizes that substituting linear acceleration a with angular acceleration al multiplied by the radius R leads to the correct formula. This insight confirms the importance of understanding the relationship between linear and angular motion in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with torque and angular acceleration concepts
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia and its significance in rotational dynamics
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between linear acceleration and angular acceleration in rotational systems
  • Explore the derivation of the moment of inertia for various shapes and objects
  • Learn about the applications of the moment of inertia in engineering and physics
  • Investigate the effects of mass distribution on rotational motion
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering courses, educators teaching rotational dynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of moment of inertia and its applications in real-world scenarios.

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this lab is very similar to mine
basically i can only seem to derive a portion of the formula, I=mgb/al - mb^2
where b- radius, g-gravity, al- angular acceleration.
I do not get the right answer:
here is what i did do however,
Fnet=ma
T-mg=-ma (acceleration is downwards)
so T=(mg-ma)
so then

Tnet=I*al (where al is angular acceleration not acceleration)

so then
T*b=I*al
(b*mg-b*ma)/al = I

as u can see this is not the correct solution..but is a start
the solution i need to get to is
I=mgb/al - mb^2
can someone help me out - thanks :)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
NEVERMIND I SOLVED IT i was on the right way i just realized that a=al*R and if i plug that in my answer is correct.
thanks to any1 who viewed it anyways
 

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