AP Physics C: Mechanics 5.4 B Describe the Rotational Inertia of a Rigid System Rotating About an Axis That Does Not Pass Through the Systems Questions

Use the parallel-axis theorem to relate rotational inertia about a center-of-mass axis to inertia about a parallel shifted axis.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • apply I = I_cm + Md^2 to calculate inertia about a parallel displaced axis
  • sum shifted component inertias to derive a composite system's rotational inertia
  • compare axes and justify why inertia is smallest through the centre of mass
  • explain an experimental inertia overestimate caused by centre-of-mass offset
  • integrate r^2 dm for a nonuniform thin rod rotating about an arbitrary pivot

AP Physics C: Mechanics 5.4 B Describe the Rotational Inertia of a Rigid System Rotating About an Axis That Does Not Pass Through the Systems Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

A uniform rod of length L and mass m is attached to a pivot on a vertical pole, as shown in Figure 1. There is negligible friction between the rod and the pivot. A horizontal string connects Point Q on the rod to the pole. The rod makes an angle θ\theta with the pole. A block of mass 3 m hangs from the rod at Point P. The center of mass of the rod is located at Point C.

A nonuniform rod is now attached to the pivot, as shown in Figure 3. There is negligible friction between the nonuniform rod and the pivot. The rod has a length of 1.2 m and a linear mass density λ(x)=A+Bx\lambda(x)=A+B x, where x is the distance from the pivot, A=6.0 kg/mA=6.0 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{m}, and B=10.0 kg/m2B=10.0 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{m}^{2}.

Calculate the rotational inertia of the rod about the pivot.

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