Why Is y Bar Zero in the Parallel Axis Theorem for Area?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the centroid in the context of the Parallel Axis Theorem for area, specifically addressing why the average value of y (y-bar) is considered to be zero when defined relative to the centroidal axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of y-bar in relation to the centroid and question why it is zero despite the presence of non-zero values for y' in the diagram. There is an examination of the implications of integrating y' and y' squared in the context of area calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided explanations regarding the definition of the centroid and the nature of the integrals involved, noting that the average value of y' across the areas is zero by definition. However, questions remain about the behavior of the integrals and the reasoning behind the differences in their results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and properties of centroids and integrals in the context of area, indicating a need for clarity on these foundational concepts. There is an implicit assumption that the participants are familiar with the mathematical framework surrounding the Parallel Axis Theorem.

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Homework Statement


why the y bar is 0 ? according to the diagram , y ' has certain value , it's not 0 ! can someone help to explain ?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 

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\overline{y}= 0 because the y' axis, not the y axis, is defined as the vertical line passing through the center of mass.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
\overline{y}= 0 because the y' axis, not the y axis, is defined as the vertical line passing through the center of mass.
it pass thru centroid , why it is 0 ?
 
goldfish9776 said:
it pass thru centroid , why it is 0 ?
The shape can be thought of as made up of many little areas like A. Each little area has its own (x', y') coordinates relative to the centroid. y-bar is here defined as the average value of y' across all these little areas. By definition of centroid, that average is zero.
 
haruspex said:
The shape can be thought of as made up of many little areas like A. Each little area has its own (x', y') coordinates relative to the centroid. y-bar is here defined as the average value of y' across all these little areas. By definition of centroid, that average is zero.
why only the second integral = 0 , why not the first integral equal to 0 also ?
 
goldfish9776 said:
why only the second integral = 0 , why not the first integral equal to 0 also ?
Because in the first integral, y' is squared.

When y' is by itself, you are adding products of y' dA on either side of the centroidal axis, so some products are negative and some are positive. When you calculate y'2 dA, all of the products are positive, so their sum adds up to a positive, non-zero result.
 
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