Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem

In summary, the illustration shows the equations for the center of mass in a coordinate system where the center of mass is at the point (XCM, YCM). To prove P.A.T., two new variables (x' and y') are created to shift the center of mass to the origin, making the middle integrals equal to 0 by definition.
  • #1
serverxeon
101
0
Note: The following are taken from Physics for Scientists and Engineers 6E

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/821/75796098.png
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5615/70724407.png
http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/6813/65815357.png

I don't really understand why is that integral equals to 0.

Can anyone explain? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
This illustration is not very clear about the order of what it is intending to describe with respect to the equations it asserts...
The drawing implies that the first and last Integrals of the line in question are taken from a coordinate system where the center of mass is at the point (XCM,YCM).
To Prove P.A.T. They create two new variables x' and y' which are equal to (X - XCM) and (Y - YCM) and this in practice essentially shifts the center of mass to the point (0,0) with respect to x' and y'. Since the last line is taken with respect to the Origin, the two middle integrals equate to, by definition of the center of mass, 0 + 0 because the center of mass is essentially at (0,0). I hope this helps.
 

Related to Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem

1. What is the "Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem"?

The Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem is a mathematical proof that explains the relationship between the moment of inertia of an object and its distance from a parallel axis. It states that the moment of inertia of an object about a point is equal to the moment of inertia of the object about a parallel axis passing through the center of mass of the object, plus the product of its mass and the square of the distance between the two axes.

2. Why is the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem important?

The Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem is important because it allows us to calculate the moment of inertia of an object about any axis, not just the center of mass. This is useful in many engineering and physics applications, such as designing structures and analyzing rotational motion.

3. How is the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem derived?

The Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem is derived using calculus and the definition of moment of inertia. It involves breaking down the object into infinitesimal elements, calculating the moment of inertia of each element about the parallel axis, and then integrating all of these moments of inertia over the entire object to get the total moment of inertia.

4. Can the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem be applied to all objects?

Yes, the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem can be applied to all objects. It is a fundamental principle of rotational mechanics and is not limited by the shape, size, or material of the object.

5. Are there any real-world examples of the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem?

Yes, there are many real-world examples of the Proof of Parallel Axis Theorem. Some common examples include a spinning top, a spinning bicycle wheel, and a rotating space station. In all of these cases, the moment of inertia can be calculated using the parallel axis theorem to understand their rotational behavior.

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