How Does Mass Distribution Affect Rotational Inertia?

[ZurasE]

This isn't actually a homework problem, but I am still posting it here. I am confused by rotational inertia. How does mass distribution affect rotational inertia? Because I know it should, but I don't know how it would.

 

[Isaac0427]

Try this article:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_of_inertia

 

[andrevdh]

What is rotational inertia? What does it measure regarding an object?

 

[CrazyNinja]

What do you mean by "rotational inertia"? Do you mean "moment of inertia"?

 

[Isaac0427]

What do you mean by "rotational inertia"? Do you mean "moment of inertia"?

I'm pretty sure the OP is talking about the moment of inertia.

 

[andrevdh]

CrazyNinja they are the same thing. Moment of inertia = rotational inertia.

 

[CrazyNinja]

Please elaborate a little more on your problem @ZurasE

 

[beamie564]

See, when a mass has to rotate about an axis a centripetal force is required; this force is given by F= mr(omega)^2
So for a given angular speed ( omega) greater force is required to rotate a body which is at a greater distance.
Now regarding rotational inertia ( which is the same as moment of inertia), as the mass distribution moves away from the axis(of rotation) the moment of inertia increases ( in other words its resistance to rotation increases)