Question

5.0 kg and 7.0 kg weight are placed on opposite ends of a massless 4.0 m rod (5.0 kg on the left, 7.0 kg on the right). Determine the total moment of inertia of the system and net torque if

The axis of rotation is halfway between the two masses
The axis of rotation is 0.50 m to the left of the 7.0 kg weight.
Which axis of rotation produces the most torque and why?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

I = m₁ r₁² + m₂ r₂²

I = (5.0 kg) (2.0 m)² + (7.0 kg) (2.0 m)²

I = 48 kg m²

I = m₁ r₁² + m₂ r₂²

I = (5.0 kg) (3.5 m)² + (7.0 kg) (0.5 m)²

I = 63 kg m²

The second system has the higher moment of inertia because the axis of rotation is further from the center of gravity.