The Parallel Axis Theorem

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Section 5.16 The Parallel Axis Theorem

Principle 5.16.1. The Parallel Axis Theorem.

The moments of inertia about an axis parallel to an axis going through the center of mass is:

\begin{equation*} I = I_{CM} + md^2 \end{equation*}

where $d$ is the perpendicular distance between the axes.

Exercises Activities

1.

Suppose you roll a ball around your arm, so that instead of rotating about its center of mass it is rotating about an axis in the center of your arm. Do you expect the moment of inertia for the ball to be greater than, less than, or equal to the moment of inertia about the ball’s own center of mass?

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Section 5.16 The Parallel Axis Theorem

Principle 5.16.1. The Parallel Axis Theorem.

Exercises Activities

1.