Moment of inertia and a gyroscope

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the moment of inertia (MOI) of a gyroscope, specifically a uniform disc attached to a spindle. The initial confusion arises from the calculation of the MOI, with participants debating the correct formula, which is I = Md²/8 for the gyroscope, versus I = MR²/2 for a disc. Clarifications are made regarding the application of parallel axis theory and the differences between a disc and a ring in terms of mass distribution. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the geometry of the system to accurately determine the MOI. The conversation concludes with a suggestion to seek clarification from a lecturer regarding the discrepancies in the solutions provided.
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Homework Statement


A gyroscope consists of a uniform disc of mass M and diameter d attached at its centre to a light spindle of length l perpendicular to the plane of the disc.

i) Show that the moment of inertia, I, of the disc around the axis of the spindle is Md²/8.

Homework Equations



I=MR² Moment of inertia

The Attempt at a Solution



I can't understand why it becomes I=Md²/8 as R=d/2 and R²=d²/4 not d²/8

or am i missing something?
 
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I = MR^2/2 for a circular plate.
 
ok i'll ask my lecturer about that tomorrow as in her solutions to this she has written

I=MR²

thanks for the help
 
The MOI of a disc rotating around its centre is certainly I = MR^2/2

the quatity MR^2 is used when applying the parallel axis theory.
 
DylanB said:
The MOI of a disc rotating around its centre is certainly I = MR^2/2

the quatity MR^2 is used when applying the parallel axis theory.


It is very hard to see how this gyroscope is built and how it rotates :)
 
yea, I=MR^2 is for used on a particle or a person in some examples.
I=(MR^2)/2 is for a disc
 
Must be a careless mistake. Let the OP clarify with the teacher.

theinfojunkie said:
yea, I=MR^2 is for used on a particle or a person in some examples.

What sort of persons in which examples?
 
I was given two very similar questions (which I still can't tell apart)

Question 1

A uniform horizontal disc of mass M and radius R rotates about its vertical axis with angular frequency w. Find and expression for the moment of inertia.

Solution

Mass per unit area (lambda) = M/piR^2

Mass of small ring of thickness dr (dm) = lambda*2pi*r*dr

I = integral (0->R) r^2 dm
I = integral (0->R) r^2*lambda*2pi*r dr
I = 2pi*lambda integral (0->R) r^3 dr
I = 2pi*lambda*(R^4)/4
I = 2pi*(M/pi*R^2)*(R^4)/4
I = (MR^2)/2

Question 2

A gyroscope consists of a wheel of mass M and radius R attatched to a light central rod of length l that is perpendicular to the plan of the wheel. If the wheel is a uniform ring with light spokes determine an expression for the moment of inertia of the wheel about the axis of the spindle.

Solution

I = MR^2
 
  • #10
Both correct.

What do you mean you can't tell them apart? The first is a disk, where the mass is distributed from the centre upto the circumference. The second is a ring, where all the mass is at a distance of R from the centre.
 
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