How do calculate this moment of inertia?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moment of inertia for a thin square with a side length of 2b about its center of mass. Participants are examining the integral setup and the resulting calculations related to this physical property.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the integral for the moment of inertia using coordinates centered on the square, questioning their calculation after arriving at a result that significantly differs from the expected answer. Other participants seek clarification on whether the mass variable refers to the entire square or just a quadrant.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the integral setup and questioning assumptions about the axis of rotation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relevance of the perpendicular axis theorem, but no consensus has been reached on the specific error in the original calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of clarity regarding the orientation of the axis of rotation in relation to the square's sides, which may influence the calculations. There is also uncertainty about the definition of mass in the context of the problem.

LCSphysicist
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Homework Statement
Doubt conceptual about the inertia moment of a thin square
Relevant Equations
I = int dm r square
Inertia moment of a thin square side 2b about the center of mass...

I put the coordinates in the center of the square and came to:

Integral of (x²+y²)dm
=
Integral of (x²+y²)*(dxdy)M
But, the interval of the integral is [0,b] to x and y
And, since this consider just the integral of one quadrant, multiple by 4 to the total square

I get 8mb²/3 , which is four times more than the answer, 2mb²/3.
Where did i wrong?
 
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LCSphysicist said:
Homework Statement:: Doubt conceptual about the inertia moment of a thin square
Relevant Equations:: I = int dm r square

Inertia moment of a thin square side 2b about the center of mass...

I put the coordinates in the center of the square and came to:

Integral of (x²+y²)dm
=
Integral of (x²+y²)*(dxdy)M
But, the interval of the integral is [0,b] to x and y
And, since this consider just the integral of one quadrant, multiple by 4 to the total square

I get 8mb²/3 , which is four times more than the answer, 2mb²/3.
Where did i wrong?
Is m the mass of the square or of one quadrant?
 
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haruspex said:
Is m the mass of the square or of one quadrant?
Omg thx
 
LCSphysicist said:
Omg thx
I should point out that you only specified the axis as being through the centre of mass. You did not say whether it is parallel to a side of the square, but perhaps assumed it is.
Interestingly, it doesn't matter!
Have you come across the https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpendicular_axis_theorem?
 

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