Moment of Inertia for Combination of Rod and Ball

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The moment of inertia for a combination of a rod and a sphere about an axis at the center of mass can be calculated using the parallel axis theorem and specific formulas for each shape. The rod's moment of inertia is given by I_{rod} = \frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2, while the sphere's moment of inertia is I_{sphere} = \frac{2}{5}m_s(r_s)^2. The total moment of inertia is derived by combining these equations, taking into account the distances from the center of mass. The correct approach requires starting with the rod's moment of inertia about its center of mass, not its end.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of moment of inertia concepts
  • Familiarity with the parallel axis theorem
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations for rigid bodies
  • Ability to calculate center of mass for composite objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the parallel axis theorem in detail
  • Learn how to calculate the center of mass for complex shapes
  • Explore moment of inertia calculations for other geometric shapes
  • Review applications of moment of inertia in rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and rotational motion, as well as educators looking for examples of moment of inertia calculations involving composite objects.

TMO
Messages
45
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://www.smartphysics.com/images/content/mechanics/ch15/momentofinertia2new.png

What is the moment of inertia of the object about an axis at the center of mass of the object? (Note: the center of mass can be calculated to be located at a point halfway between the center of the sphere and the left edge of the sphere.)

mrod (hence denoted as mr) = 7.11 kg
msphere (hence denoted as ms) = 35.55 kg
rrod (this is the length of the rod, and it will hence be denoted as rr) = 5.8 m
rsphere (this is the radius of the sphere, hence denoted as rs) = 1.45 m

Homework Equations



I = I_{center of mass} + md^2 (parallel axis theorem)
I_{sphere} = \frac{2}{5}mr^2
I_{rod at end} = \frac{1}{3}ml^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured that the moment of inertia must include both the moment of a rod spinning at its edge and the moment resulting from the parallel axis theorem. This leads to the first part.

\frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2 + m_r(r_s/2)^2

Doing something similar to the sphere gives a similar equation

\frac{2}{5}m_s(r_s)^2 + m_s(r_s/2)^2

Then I just combine these together, if the hyperphysics page is anything to go by (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html). This yields the following.

\frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2 + m_r(r_s/2)^2 + \frac{2}{5}m_s(r_s)^2 + m_s(r_s/2)^2

However, this isn't correct. Why is this, and how can I fix this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
TMO said:

Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://www.smartphysics.com/images/content/mechanics/ch15/momentofinertia2new.png

What is the moment of inertia of the object about an axis at the center of mass of the object? (Note: the center of mass can be calculated to be located at a point halfway between the center of the sphere and the left edge of the sphere.)

mrod (hence denoted as mr) = 7.11 kg
msphere (hence denoted as ms) = 35.55 kg
rrod (this is the length of the rod, and it will hence be denoted as rr) = 5.8 m
rsphere (this is the radius of the sphere, hence denoted as rs) = 1.45 m

Homework Equations



I = I_{center of mass} + md^2 (parallel axis theorem)
I_{sphere} = \frac{2}{5}mr^2
I_{rod at end} = \frac{1}{3}ml^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured that the moment of inertia must include both the moment of a rod spinning at its edge and the moment resulting from the parallel axis theorem. This leads to the first part.

\frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2 + m_r(r_s/2)^2

Doing something similar to the sphere gives a similar equation

\frac{2}{5}m_s(r_s)^2 + m_s(r_s/2)^2

Then I just combine these together, if the hyperphysics page is anything to go by (http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html). This yields the following.

\frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2 + m_r(r_s/2)^2 + \frac{2}{5}m_s(r_s)^2 + m_s(r_s/2)^2

However, this isn't correct. Why is this, and how can I fix this?
If the axis of rotation is arrow line
moment of inertia of the rod will Zerp. Do you; Because elementry formula for moment of inertia is I=mr2. R=0 for all the particles of the rod so moment of inertia of the rod is0.
Now come to sphere; moment of inertia of sphere is 2/5mr2. that's the answer.

if axis of rotation is doted line(COM)
apply theorem of perpendicular axis.
moment of inertia about an axis passing through COM(dotted line in fig) and perpendicular to your screen will same since mass configuration is same around both the axises. Let me say it be I
then I+I=2/5mr2
This is short cut.
It must correct. IF this is wrong please tell me.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
TMO said:
I figured that the moment of inertia must include both the moment of a rod spinning at its edge and the moment resulting from the parallel axis theorem. This leads to the first part.

\frac{1}{3}m_r(r_r)^2 + m_r(r_s/2)^2
To use the parallel axis theorem, you must start with the rod's moment of inertia about its center of mass, not its end.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
335
Views
16K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K