How to Calculate the Moment of Inertia for a Half Disk System?

In summary, the conversation discusses using integration to calculate moment of inertia and an alternate method that involves subtracting the moment of inertia of two half disks. The key is to be careful with the definition of mass and to use the equation M = (\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) (r_{2}^{2} - r_{1}^{2}) to recast the equation. This clarification helps to clear any doubts about the calculation process.
  • #1
ajaysabarish
58
0
in this video

http://www.physicsgalaxy.com/lectures/1/44/234/Solved-Example-2#12(see only the question)

the method illustrated is integration but i thought of an alternate method,

moment of inertia of half disc with radius r2 is 1/2mr2^2 and that of half disc with radius r1 is 1/2mr1^2.so the moment of intertia of system must be equal to difference of these moment of inertia since half disc with radius r2 is cutoff from radius r1,so shouldn't moment of inertia be subtracted too?
 
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  • #2
That is because you have have to be careful with the definition of the mass M.
To use the subtraction method, we have to begin by considering a half disk of radius [itex]r_{2}[/itex] with mass [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) r_{2}^{2}[/itex]. This can be decomposed into
(1) A half disk of radius [itex]r_{1}[/itex] with mass [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) r_{1}^{2}[/itex], and
(2) The "cut-out" system of interest, which has mass M = [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) (r_{2}^{2} - r_{1}^{2}) [/itex]

Then the moment of inertia of our system is simply given by the difference of the moment of inertias of the two half disks,
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi r_{2}^{2}\right) r_{2}^{2} - \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi r_{1}^{2}\right) r_{1}^{2} [/tex]

Finally, use [itex]M = (\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) (r_{2}^{2} - r_{1}^{2}) [/itex] to recast the equation.
 
  • #3
Fightfish said:
That is because you have have to be careful with the definition of the mass M.
To use the subtraction method, we have to begin by considering a half disk of radius [itex]r_{2}[/itex] with mass [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) r_{2}^{2}[/itex]. This can be decomposed into
(1) A half disk of radius [itex]r_{1}[/itex] with mass [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) r_{1}^{2}[/itex], and
(2) The "cut-out" system of interest, which has mass M = [itex](\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) (r_{2}^{2} - r_{1}^{2}) [/itex]

Then the moment of inertia of our system is simply given by the difference of the moment of inertias of the two half disks,
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi r_{2}^{2}\right) r_{2}^{2} - \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi r_{1}^{2}\right) r_{1}^{2} [/tex]

Finally, use [itex]M = (\frac{1}{2}\rho \pi) (r_{2}^{2} - r_{1}^{2}) [/itex] to recast the equation.
great,thank you,completely cleared my doubt,i forgot about the mass.
 

Related to How to Calculate the Moment of Inertia for a Half Disk System?

What is moment of inertia?

Moment of inertia, also known as rotational inertia, is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It is dependent on the object's mass and distribution of mass relative to its axis of rotation.

Why is moment of inertia important?

Moment of inertia is important because it helps us understand how objects will behave when they rotate. It is used in calculations related to angular momentum, torque, and rotational kinetic energy, and is a crucial concept in fields such as physics and engineering.

How is moment of inertia calculated?

The moment of inertia of an object is calculated by multiplying its mass by the square of its distance from the axis of rotation. For more complex shapes, there are specific equations and formulas that can be used to determine the moment of inertia.

What factors affect moment of inertia?

The moment of inertia of an object is affected by its mass, the distribution of its mass, and the distance of its mass from the axis of rotation. Objects with a larger mass or with more mass concentrated farther from the axis of rotation will have a higher moment of inertia.

How does moment of inertia differ from mass?

Moment of inertia and mass are two different properties of an object. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while moment of inertia is a measure of how that matter is distributed around the axis of rotation. In other words, an object with a larger mass may not necessarily have a larger moment of inertia if its mass is distributed closer to the axis of rotation.

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