How Does Mass Distribution Affect Rotational Inertia?

AI Thread Summary
Mass distribution significantly impacts rotational inertia, also known as moment of inertia, which measures an object's resistance to rotational motion. As mass is distributed further from the axis of rotation, the moment of inertia increases, requiring greater force to achieve the same angular speed. This relationship is expressed in the formula F = mr(omega)^2, where 'r' represents the distance from the axis. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing rotational dynamics in physics. Overall, greater mass distribution away from the axis leads to increased resistance to rotation.
ZurasE
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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.
 
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What is rotational inertia? What does it measure regarding an object?
 
What do you mean by "rotational inertia"? Do you mean "moment of inertia"?
 
CrazyNinja said:
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.
 
CrazyNinja they are the same thing. Moment of inertia = rotational inertia.
 
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Please elaborate a little more on your problem @ZurasE
 
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)
 
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