Moment of inertia of a solid sphere calculation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the calculation of the moment of inertia for a solid sphere and a hollow sphere, both of uniform density and rotating about an axis through their centers. Participants explore derivations and methods for these calculations, particularly focusing on the use of integrals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the moment of inertia for a solid sphere is known to be \( \frac{2MR^{2}}{5} \) but claims to have derived \( \frac{3MR^{2}}{5} \) instead, expressing interest in a derivation using a single integral.
  • Another participant suggests using cylindrical coordinates for the calculations and mentions that two integrations are necessary, one in \( r \) and one in \( z \). They propose a method of subtracting the moment of inertia of a solid sphere from that of a hollow sphere to find the latter.
  • A detailed derivation is provided by a participant, outlining the integral form for the moment of inertia and the steps to convert it into a triple integral over spherical coordinates, ultimately arriving at the known result of \( \frac{2MR^{2}}{5} \) for the solid sphere.
  • A later reply references an external source for a straightforward method to calculate the moment of inertia, suggesting it as an easy alternative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct moment of inertia for the solid sphere, as one participant claims a different result than the established value. Multiple approaches and methods are discussed, indicating that the topic remains contested.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the density and geometry of the spheres, and the reliance on specific coordinate systems for integration. Some steps in the derivation process may depend on interpretations of the integral setup.

namkot
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How would one calculate the moment of inertia of a solid sphere (of uniform density, rotating about the axis through its center)? I know it's 2MR^{2}/5 but I got 3MR^{2}/5 when I attempted to derive it (just for fun, because I find rotational dynamics rather interesting). I would prefer a derivation that uses a single integral, which should be very much feasible.

While I'm on the subject, I would like to know how to derive the moment of inertia of a hollow sphere with an infinitely thin shell (again of uniform density, rotating about the axis through its center).
 
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It is easiest to do both calculations in cylindrical coordinates (r,φ,z) about the axis of rotation. You have to do two integrations, one in r, and one in z. For a shell, you can do two solid spheres, and subtract one from the other to get a hollow shell.
Bob S
 
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The form that this integral will take is

I=\int l^{2}\: dm

Where l is the distance from the axis of rotation.

Sorry, I am too lazy to draw any figures but here is one that will suffice.

spherical-coords.gif


In our case the distance from the axis of rotation (z) is given by

l=rsin\phi

as seen in the figure. We need to find dm now, and it is pretty easy. Use the volume element for spherical coordinates multiplied by the density. This is the little piece of mass.Density is given by

\rho=\frac{M}{\frac{4}{3}\pi R^{3}}So dm is

dm=\rho r^{2}sin\phi dr\:d\theta\:d\phiOur integral turns from this

I=\int l^{2}\: dm

into

I=\int (rsin\phi)^{2}\: \rho r^{2}sin\phi dr\:d\theta\:d\phiOf course this is not a single integral but a triple integral over our entire spherical volume. So

\rho \int^{\pi}_{0}\int^{2\pi}_{0}\int^{R}_{0} (rsin\phi)^{2}\: r^{2}sin\phi dr\:d\theta\:d\phi

And we can condense it some

\rho \int^{\pi}_{0}\int^{2\pi}_{0}\int^{R}_{0} r^{4}sin^{3}\phi \:dr\:d\theta\:d\phi

Now even further

\rho \int^{\pi}_{0}sin^{3}\phi\:d\phi \int^{2\pi}_{0}d\theta \int^{R}_{0} r^{4} \:dr

Solving a couple of the integrals

\frac{\rho2\pi\:R^{5}}{5} \int^{\pi}_{0}sin^{3}\phi\:d\phi

Now we just need to solve the last integral.

\int^{\pi}_{0}sin^{3}\phi\:d\phi

Convert

sin^{2}\phi=1-cos^{2}\phi

So

\int^{\pi}_{0}(1-cos^{2}\phi)sin\phi\:d\phi

Break up the integrals

\int^{\pi}_{0}sin\phi\:d\phi -\int^{\pi}_{0} cos^{2}\phi sin\phi\:d\phiThe first integral is equal to 2, and the second is equal to 2/3

\int^{\pi}_{0}sin\phi\:d\phi -\int^{\pi}_{0} cos^{2}\phi sin\phi\:d\phi=2-\frac{2}{3}=\frac{4}{3}
This means that the total integral (moment of inertia) is

I=\frac{\rho2\pi\:R^{5}}{5}\frac{4}{3}When we substitute in for rho we see that

I=\frac{M}{\frac{4}{3}\pi R^{3}}\frac{2\pi\:R^{5}}{5}\frac{4}{3}Which after canceling yields

I=\frac{2MR^{2}}{5}

If you want it for the case where it is merely a shell, don't do the integration over r, and multiply the result by dr.
 
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