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Grade 11Mechanics

The rotational inertia of a body of rather complicated shape is to be determined. The shape makes a mathematical calculation from ∫ r2 dill exceedingly difficult. Suggest ways in which the rotational inertia about a particular axis could be measured experimentally.

Profile image of Simran Bhatia
11 Years agoGrade 11
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1 Answer

Profile image of Kevin Nash
11 Years ago
One way to obtain the rotational inertia of the object is to measure the angular acceleration of the object when the gravitational force rotates it. Knowing that the magnitude of force producing the torque is 234-1573_1.JPG, the axis of rotation of the object and the distance between the force of action and the axis of rotation, one can calculate the rotational inertia using equation:
τ = Ia
Here τ is the torque produced by the gravitational force on object, I is the rotational inertia of the object and a is the angular acceleration.