harpazo
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In simple terms, what exactly is meant by moment of inertia as taught in Calculus 3?
The moment of inertia, denoted as $I$, is defined as the resistance of an object to changes in its rotational motion about a specific axis. It is mathematically expressed by the equation $\alpha = \dfrac{\tau_{net}}{I}$, where $\alpha$ represents angular acceleration and $\tau_{net}$ is the net torque applied. This concept is analogous to mass in translational motion. The discussion also hints at further exploration of related variables such as the Center of Mass and Radius of Gyration.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of rotational dynamics and moment of inertia.
MarkFL said:Simply put, it is the torque needed for a desired angular acceleration about a rotational axis. :D
I will post three questions tomorrow that involve p = another variable in relation to the Center of Mass and Moments of Inertia and Radius of Gyration.MarkFL said:Here is a better explanation sent to me via PM (I simply copy-pasted from Wikipedia):
Moment of inertia, $I$, is not a torque, rather it is the resistance an object has to a change in its state of rotational motion, i.e.
$\alpha = \dfrac{\tau_{net}}{I}$
... mass is its counterpart in the translational world.