Shortest period of a simple pendulum

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To determine the shortest period of a simple pendulum, the distance d from the disk's center must be optimized using the formula T=2π√(I/mgd). The moment of inertia I for the pendulum should be calculated around the pivot point, not the center of mass. The user encountered difficulties when attempting to find the minimum period by taking the derivative of the equation, resulting in confusion as it led to zero. It is noted that as d approaches zero, the period T also approaches zero, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the application of the formulas. Correctly identifying the pivot point's moment of inertia is crucial for accurately calculating the shortest period.
Scarlitt14
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A uniform disk of radius 0.2m and 5.6 kg mass has a small hole distance d from the disk's center that can serve as a pivot point. What should be the distance d so that this physical pendulum will have the shortest possible period? What will be the period at this distance?

So, I know that the period is defined as: T=2\Pi\sqrt{\frac{I}{mgd}}
And I know that the moment of Inertia is I=\frac{1}{2}mr^{2}

The first part of the question, which I omitted, asks to find the distance d for a specified period and I got that portion with no problem. I figured that I needed to take the derivative of the equation and set it equal to zero to find the minimum period but when I do that I simple come up with zero... Not quite sure where I am making the error here!
 
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All I can deduce from your equation is that as d→0, mgd→0 so the fraction of I/mgd→0 and T→0 as well.
 
Scarlitt14 said:
And I know that the moment of Inertia is I=\frac{1}{2}mr^{2}

I is the pendulum's moment of inertia around the pivot, not around the center of mass.
 
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