Chapter 7: Problem 28
Four spheres of diameter \(2 a\) and mass \(M\) are placed with their centres on the four corners of a square of side \(b\). Then the moment of inertia of the system about an axis along one of the sides of the square is (a) \(\frac{4}{5} M a^{2}+2 M b^{2}\) (b) \(\frac{8}{5} M a^{2}+2 M b^{2}\) (c) \(\frac{8}{5} M a^{2}\) (d) \(\frac{4}{5} M a^{2}+4 M b^{2}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Concept
Calculating Moment of Inertia of a Sphere
Using Parallel Axis Theorem
Calculating Moment of Inertia for Each Sphere
Total Moment of Inertia for the System
Simplify the Total Moment of Inertia Expression
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parallel Axis Theorem
- The formula for the moment of inertia about the center of mass axis is typically given or derived, like \(I = \frac{2}{5} M R^2\) for spheres.
- The theorem tells us that to find the moment of inertia about a parallel axis, you add \ M d^2 \, where \(d\) is the perpendicular distance between the centers of the two axes.
Sphere Moment of Inertia
- For our exercise, the diameter is given as \2a\, so the radius \(R\) is simply \a\.
- Plugging in the radius gives us the basic moment of inertia for each sphere: \( \frac{2}{5} M a^2 \).
Angular Acceleration
- A system with high moment of inertia resists changes in rotational speed more than one with lower inertia.
- In the context of our spheres placed at the corners of a square, understanding these distributions helps explain why the system’s resistance to rolling or spinning varies depending on the axis.
Resistance to Rotation
- The higher the moment of inertia, the greater the resistance to change in its motion.
- In our exercise, all four spheres have the same moment of inertia, influencing how they resist rolling around the axis along one side of the square.