Moment of Inertia: Kinetic Energy, Momentum & Conservation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between kinetic energy, momentum, and angular momentum in rotating bodies. The kinetic energy formula for rotation is established as \(E_k = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2\), where \(I\) represents the moment of inertia. The confusion arises regarding angular momentum, which is defined as \(L = I\omega\), and its conservation. The distinction between linear momentum and angular momentum is clarified, emphasizing that they are different vector quantities despite both being forms of momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of kinetic energy and momentum
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations
  • Basic proficiency in vector mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the moment of inertia for various shapes
  • Explore the conservation laws of angular momentum in closed systems
  • Learn about the relationship between torque and angular momentum
  • Investigate the applications of angular momentum in real-world physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of rotational motion and energy conservation in mechanics.

GeneralOJB
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I read that for a rotating body the kinetic energy ##E_k = \sum \frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}{\omega}^2∑mr^2 = \frac{1}{2}I{\omega}^2## where ##I## is the moment of inertia.

If we did the same thing for momentum then ##P = ∑mv = \omega\sum mr##

So why is angular momentum ##I\omega=\omega\sum mr^2##? Shouldn't the momentum just be the sum of the momentum of all the particles, like we did with kinetic energy?

Also why should I believe that this quantity ##I\omega## is conserved?
 
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Use LaTeX :smile:
##E_k = \sum\frac{1}{2}mv^2 = \frac{1}{2}\sum m(\omega r)^2 = \frac{1}{2}\omega^2\sum mr^2 = \frac{1}{2}I\omega^2##
 
Ah, didn't know we had LaTeX.
 
GeneralOJB said:
Shouldn't the momentum just be the sum of the momentum of all the particles.
That would be the total linear momentum, not the total angular momentum.

Note that linear and rotational kinetic energy are both of the same physical scalar quantity. While linear and angular momentum are two different vector quantities. You should look at the vector formulas for momentum to understand it better.
 

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