Q. Explain the physical significance of M.I.
Ans: In translational motion,
(6M)
 Rigid body:
The body, in which the distance between any
particles does not change under the action of force,
is called rigid body.
 Rotational motion:
When body rotates or spins about axis of rotation,
the different particles of the body revolves in
different circles Then the body said to perform
rotational motion.
In translational motion body has tendency to
oppose any change in its state of motion. This
property is called inertia. It is represented by mass.
Similarly in rotational motion the body has
tendency to oppose any change In its state of
motion. This property is called M.I. It is represented
by mass & distribution of mass from axis of
rotation.
 Moment of inertia:-
The M.I. of rigid body about a given axis of
rotation is defined as the sum of products of mass
of each particle of the body & square of its distance
from the axis of rotation.
Consider a rigid body is rotating about axis of rotation. So that it possesses same
rotation which consists of ‘n’ number of particles of of body The M.I. of Particles is MK .
masses m1, m2…….. mn situated at distance r1 , r2,
…… rn respectively from the axis of rotation The M.I.
is given by,
I = m1r12 + m2r22 + ……… + mnrn2
I=∑
In general, I = MR2
S.I. Unit is kg.m2
CGS Unit is gram.cm2
Dimensions of M.I. are [M1L2T0]Q
Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)
Force = mass x acceleration
In rotational motion,
Torque = M.I. x angular acceleration
From these relations,
1) Force is responsible for translational Motion
while Torque is responsible for rotational
motion. Thus torque is analogues to force.
2) Acceleration is rate of change of velocity with
time. Angular acceleration is rate of charge of
angular velocity with time. Thus angular
acceleration is analogous to acceleration.
3) By comparing the two expressions it is clear
that moment of inertia motion is analogous to
inertia.
4) In translational motion mass represent inertia
of body to oppose any change in its state of
translational motion. While in rotational motion
M.I. represents inertia of body to oppose any
change in its state of rotational motion.
5) Thus M.I. plays the same role in rotational
motion as mass plays in translational motion
M.I. is analogues to mass. Therefore M.I. is also
called rotational inertia.
 Radius of gyration:
The radius of gyration of body about a given
axis of rotation is defined as the distance
between the axis of rotation and a point at
which whole mass of the body can be supposed
to be concentrated so as to possess the same
M.I. as that of the body.
If mass ‘M’ of body rotating about an axis
having M.I. Now the body is replaces by
particles having same mass ‘M’ & this particle is
kept at such a distance ‘K’ from the axis of
2
M.I. as that
∴ I = MK2
∴K=
S.I. Unit is meter and CGS unit is cm
Dimensions are [K] = [M0L1T0]
15
It is independent of mass of body but depends
on position of axis of rotation.
Page
Q. Explain the physical significance of radius of  Important Notes:
Gyration (K).  As = 2 n , Then E = I x 4 2n2
Ans: 1) If the particles of a body distributed very
close to the axis of rotation the M.I is less & hence E = I 2n 2
radius of gyration in less. ∴E ∝ n2
2) If particles are distributed away from the axis of  Kinetic energy is, E = I 2
rotation, the M.I is more & hence radius of gyration
is more. Thus radius of gyration represents ∴E= I
distribution of mass about of axis of rotation.
∴ E= (L = )
3) It is generally applicable for perfect geometric
shapes.
 Rolling Motion:-
 Kinetic Energy of rotating body The rolling motion of a body is combination
Q. Derive an expression for the K.E. of body of translational motion and rotational motion.
rotating with uniform speed. Thus the kinetic energy of rolling body is the
Ans: Consider a rigid body of mass M made up of ‘n’ sum of translational kinetic energy and
number of particles having masses m1, rotational kinetic energy given as,
m2….m3……….mn situated at perpendicular distances K.E. of rolling body = mv2 + Iω2
r1, r2, …….. rn respectively from the axis of rotation is
∴ E = mv2 + mK2 ω2
rotating about an axis passing through point O with
constant velocity ’ ′. All particles are revolving with where ‘K’ is the radius of gyration
same angular velocity but having different liner ∴ E = m(R2 ω2) + mk2 ω2(v = Rω)
velocities v1, v2……vn. Consider a particle of mass m1
having linear velocity v1 The K.E. of this particles is ∴ E = m 2 [R2 + K2]
given by ∴ E = m [R2 + K2]
∴ KE1= m1V12
∴E= m 2
As v = r
∴ v1 = r 1
∴ KE1 = m1r12 2 ∴E= m 2 +

Similarly, KE2 = m1r12 2

. .
. .  Rolling motion of a body without slipping
∴KEn = m1r12 2 on an inclined plane:
The total K.E. of the body is sum of K.M. of all Consider a rigid body of mass ‘M’ and radius
particles ‘R’ rolling down inclined plane of inclination ‘θ’
∴E = KE1 + KE2 + …………….. + KEn from height ‘h’ shown in a fig. below.
Body starts from rest and rolls down, it loses
its gravitational potential energy. This potential
∴E = m1r12 2 + m1r12 2 + …………. + m1r12 2
energy is converted into kinetic energy.
P
∴E= (m1r12 + m1r12 + ……………. + mnrn2) 2

By the definition of M.I. we get, Q h

m1r12 + m1r12 + ……………. + mnrn2 = ∑ ri2
16

∴E = I 2 Fig. Rolling motion from inclined plane

Page

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)

If ‘V’ is the linear speed acquired by the body when
it reaches the bottom of the inclined plane, then
loss in potential energy = gain in kinetic energy.
Mgh = Mv2 + I 2

= Mv2 1 +
∴ v2 =
= F 1 x r1
= m1r1 x r1
∴v= …………. (1) = m1r12
Similarly, = m2r22
Let ‘a’ be the linear acceleration of the body .
while rolling down the plane. .
As the body starts forms rest, u = 0 .
∴ v2 = 0 + 2as where ‘S’ is the length of the plane. = mnrn2
∴a= Thus the total torque acting on the body is
equal to sum of the torques acting on all the
Using equation (1), a = . ……………… (2) particles, given by,
∴ = + + …………..
But sin θ = ∴ s = ∴ = m1r12 + m2r22 + …………… + mnrn2
∴ Equation (2) becomes ∴ = ( m1r12 + m2r22+ …………… + mnrn2)
∴a = × ∴ =(∑ )
∴ =I
∴a= Torque = M.I. x angular acceleration
This is the relation between M.I. & angular
This value changes with different geometrical acceleration.
shapes. S.I. unit of torque is Nm and CGS unit is dyne cm
Dimensions of torque are [M1L2T-2]
 Torque :
Q. Obtain the relation between torque ( ) &  Principle of parallel axes :
angular acceleration of rotating body. Q. State and prove the principle (theorem) of
Ans: Consider a rigid body consist ‘n’ number of parallel axes about moment of inertia
particles having masses m1, m2…mn situated at Ans: Statement: The M.I. of a body about any
distance r1, r2…rn respectively from the axis of axis is equal to the sum of its M.I. about a
rotation is rotating with uniform angular parallel axis passing through its canter of mass
acceleration ‘a’. All particles are revolving with & the product of the mass of the body & square
same angular acceleration but having different of distance between the two axes.
linear accelerations. i.e. Io =Ic + Mh2
The linear acceleration of first particle is
∴a1 =r1
Then by Newton’s 2nd law force acting on the
particle is,
∴F1 = m1a1
But a=r
∴F1 = m1r1
17

By Definition the torque action on the particle,

Page

Torque = force x moment arm

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)

Proof: Consider a body of mass M is rotating about to the plane of the lamina. Let Ix, Iy& Iz be the
an axis passing through point ‘O’. Let Io be the M.I of the lamina about x, y & Z axes
corresponding M.I. of body an axis passing through respectively.
point ‘O’. Let ‘C’ be the Centre of mass of the body
at distance h from O. Let Ic be the M.I. of the body
about an axis passing through ‘C’.
Consider a small element of mass dm at point ‘P’
join P & OC. Draw PD perpendicular to OD.
M.I of element dm about an axis passing through C
= CP2dm
∴M.I of body about an axis passing thro. C
Ic= ∫ CP2dm………………..(1)
∴M.I of element about an axis passing through O Consider a small element of mass dm is situated
= OP2dm at point ‘P’. Join OP &Perpendicular from P to X
∴M.I of body about an axis passing thro. O & Y aces.
The element dm is at distance y from X axis.
Io= ∫ OP2dm ………………..(2)
∴ M.I. of element about X - axis = dm y2
Now from figure, in ΔODP using Pythagoras ∴ M.I. of lamina about X – axis= Ix =∫ y2
theorem we get,
OP2 = OD2 + PD2 The element dm is at distance x from Y – axis
= (OC + CD)2 + PD2 ∴ M.I. of element about Y - axis = dmx2
= OC2 + 2OC.CD + CD2 + PD2 ∴ M.I. of lamina about Y- axis = Iy = ∫ x2
In ∆CPD , CD2 + PD2 = CP2
The element dm is at distance OP from Z – axis
∴ OP2 = OC2 + 2 OC.CD + CP2
∴ M.I. of element about Z- axis = dmOP2
∴ Equation (2) becomes ∴ M.I. of lamina about Z-axis = Iz = ∫ OP2
I0 = ∫( OC2 + 2 OC.CD + CP2) dm From fig. OP2 = x2 + y2
= ∫ OC2dm + ∫ 2OC.CD dm + ∫ OC2dm ∴Iz= ∫ (x2 + y2)
From fig OC =R &∫ OC2dm = Ic ∴Iz = ∫ x2 + ∫ y2
While ∫ CDdm = 0 (C is center of mass) &∫ dm = M
∴Iz = Iy + Ix
= mass of body
∴ Io = Mh2 + O + Ic Hence proved!
 Applications of Parallel axis and
∴ Io = Ic + Mh2 Perpendicular axis theorems:
 M.I. of Rod:-
 Principle of perpendicular axes M.I. of a uniform rod about transverse axis
Q. State & prove the principle (theorem) of passing through its Centre:-
perpendicular axes.
Ans : State : The M.I. of a plane lamina about an
axis perpendicular to its plane us equal to the sum C
of its M.I. about two mutually perpendicular axes in
the plane of the lamina & intersecting at the point
M.I. of rod about given axis = ( L =M )
where perpendicular axes cuts the lamina. 2
i.e. Iz = Ix + Iy As I = MK
Proof: Consider a plane lamina in the horizontal XY ∴ = MK2
18

plane. OX & OY are two mutually perpendicular

K=
Page

axes in the plane of lamina. Axis OZ is perpendicular √

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)

M.I. of uniform rod about a transverse axis By symmetry, the M.I. of the ring about any
passing through one end. diameter is same,
Transverse axis passing through one end is parallel
to transverse axis passing through Centre. Let I0 be
M.I. of rod about parallel axis passing through
Centre C.

C o
Ix = Iy
According to principle of parallel axes.
∴Iz = 2Ix
Io = Ic + MR2
Where R be the distance between two parallel ∴ Ix =
axes.
Ix =
From fig. R = & for rod Ic =
M.I. of ring about any diameter =
∴IO = +M
M.I.of ring about tangent in its plane:
∴IO = + A tangent drawn to the ring at a point O is
parallel to the diameter of the ring. According
∴Io = + to principle of parallel axes.

 M.I. of Ring:- IO = Ic + MR2

M.I. of ring about an axis passing through center Where Ic be the M.I. of ring about diameter.
Given as, ∴ Ic =

∴ Io = +
Io =
As R is constant for all elements
M.I. of ring about tangent in its plane=
∴ M.I. of ring = MR2
Note : As I = MK2
M.I. of ring about tangent perpendicular to
∴ MR2 = MK2
plane of ring :
∴ = A tangent perpendicular to the plane of ring is
parallel to the axis passing through centre &
M.I. of ring about any diameter:- perpendicular to the plane.
The M.I. of ring about an axis passing through According to principle of parallel axes
Centre& perpendicular to the plane is MR2. This axis lo = lc + Mr2
is perpendicular to diameter of the ring. In this case
From fig.Iz=MR2, Ic = MR2& r=R
According to principle of perpendicular axes.
19

∴ Io = MR + MR2
2
Iz =Ix + Iy
∴Io = 2MR2
Page

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)

 M.I. of a disc:- M.I. of disc bout a tangent perpendicular to
M.I. of a disc about center of the disc:- plane of disc:-
The M.I. of disc about an axis passing through its
center is given by,
M.I.of disc =

M.I. of disc about any diameter: Ic Io

Any axis passing through centre & in the plane A tangent perpendicular to the plane of the disc
of the disc is coinciding with diameter. is parallel to the axis passing through the centre
Consider two such axes X & Y in the plane of the and perpendicular to the plane .Let Ic be the M.I
disc. of disc about axis passing through centre &
perpendicular to its plane
i.e. =
According to principle of parallel axes
Io= Ic + MR2
Let Io be the M.I. of disc about tangentLet Ix, Iy& Iz
∴Io = + MR
be the M.I. of disc about X, Y & Z axes respectively.
Hence according to principle of perpendicular axes.
Io =
∴ Iz= Ix+ Iy
Mass of disc is distributed equally on both sides of X
& Y axes.  M.I. of cylinder:-
∴ Ix = Iy M.I of solid cylinder passing through center:
∴ Iz = 2 Ix The M.I of solid cylinder about an axis
In this case passing through its center is given as,

Iz =
I= +
∴ =2 Ix

∴Ix= M.I of solid cylinder about an axis passing

 M.I. of disc about a tangent in its plane:- tangent to its length and passing through its
A tangent drawn to the disc in plane is parallel to one end:-
the any diameter of the disc.

Consider a tangent at point O produces M.I of disc

By principle of parallel axis,
Io& Ic the M.I. of disc about diameter.
Io = Ic + MR2
According to principle of parallel axes
Io = Ic + MR2 In this case, Ic = + and h=
In this case
∴ Io = Ic + MR2
Ic = & r = R
={ + } +
∴Io = +
20

Io = MR2 = M( + )
Page

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)

 M.I of solid sphere:- L1= m1r1 r1
M.I. of solid sphere passing through center: L1 = m1r12
Similarly, L2 = m2r22
. .
. .
Ln = mnrn2
The sum of angular momentum of particle is
M.I. of the solid sphere about an axis passing called angular momentum of body.
∴L = L1 + L2 + ………….. + Ln
through its center is given by,
2
∴L = m1r12 + m2r22 +…………….. + mnrn2
I= MR ∴L = (m1r12 + m1r12 +…………….. + m1r12)
∴L = {∑ }
M.I. of solid sphere about be tangent : L=I
A Tangent to the sphere is always parallel to the Thus angular momentum of a body is equal to
diameter. the product of M.I. of body & its angular
velocity .S.I. unit is Kg.m2/s and its CGS unit is
g.cm2/s. Its dimensions are [ ] = [M1L2T-1]

Q. State & prove law of conservation of

angular momentum.
Ans: State: If no external torque acts on
rotating body, the angular momentum of the
Then using theorem of parallel axis we get, body remains constant.
Io = Ic + MR2 Proof :The relation between torque & angular
Io = MR2 + MR2 acceleration is
=I
Io = MR2
Where I is M.I. of the body.
But the definition of angular acceleration
 Angular momentum:- =
Q. Obtain an expression for angular momentum
acting on rotating body. ∴ = I (As I is constant)
Consider a body consists ‘n’ number of particles of ( )
=
masses m1, m2,…….mn situated at distances r1, r2 …rn
respectively from the axis of rotation passing But L = Iω
through point ‘O’ is rotating with constant angular ∴ =
velocity ‘ ’. The particle of mass m1 having linear
velocity v1 = r1 . [Torque is rate of angular momentum. As force
The linear momentum is, P1 = m1v1 is rate of change of momentum].
∴ P1 = m1r1 1 If no external torque acts on body then
=0
As = 0 then ∴ = 0
[ derivative of constant quantity is zero ]
∴ L = constant
I = constant
∴ I1 1 = I2 2 OR
The angular momentum i.e. moment of linear
21

momentum is product of linear momentum. I1 x 2 n1 = I2 x 2 n2

Page

L1= P1r1 ∴I1 n1 = I2n2

Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)
 Problems for Practice (From Text Book):-
1) Circular disc of mass 10 kg and radius 0.2 m is set into
rotation about an axis passing through its centre and
perpendicular to its plane by applying torque 10 Nm
calculate angular velocity of the disc that it will attain at
the end of 6 sec form the rest. (300 rad/s)
2) A solid sphere of diameter 25 cm and mass 25 kg
rotates about as axis through its centre. Calculate its
moment of inertia, if its angular velocity changes from 2
rad/s to 12 rad/s in 5 s. Also calculate the torque
applied.(0.1562 kg-m2, 0.3124 N-m)
3) Calculate moment of inertia of a ring of mass 500 gm
and radius of 0.5 m about an axis of rotation coinciding
with its diameter and tangent perpendicular of its
plane.(6.2510-2 kg-m2, 0.25 kg-m2, 18.7510-2 kg-m2)
4) A solid sphere has a radius R. If the radius of gyration
of the sphere about its diameter is . Show that the
radius of gyration about a tangential axis of rotations
is .
5) A ballet dancer spin about a vertical axis at 90 rpm
with arms outstretched. With the arms folded the
moment of inertia about the same axis of rotation
changes to 75%. Calculate the new speed of rotation.
(120 rpm)
6) If the radius of solid sphere is doubled by keeping its
mass constant, compare the moment of inertia about
any diameter.(1:4)
7) A torque of 400 Nm acting on a body of mass 40 kg
produce an angular acceleration of 20 rad/s. Calculate
the moment of inertia and radius of gyration of the
body. (20 kg m2, 0.707 m)
8) A flywheel in the form disc is rotating about an axis
passing through its centre and perpendicular to its plane
losses 100 J of energy, when slowing down from 60 rpm
to rpm. Find its moment of inertia about the sane axis
and change in its angular momentum. (6.753 kg m2)
9) Two wheels of moment of inertia 4 kg-m2 rotates side
by side at the opposite directions. If now both the
wheels are coupled by means of weightless shaft so that
the both the wheels now rotates with a common
angular speed, Find the new speed of rotation.
(60 rpm)
10) A uniform circular disc with its plane horizontal is
rotating about a vertical axis passing through its center
at a speed of 180 r.p.m. A small piece of wax of mass 1.9
g falls vertically on the disc and sticks to it at a distance
of 25 cm from the axis. If the speed of rotation is now
reduced by 60 r.p.m., calculate moment of inertia of the
disc. (2.374  10-4 kg m2)
11) A thin uniform rod of length 1 m and mass 1 kg is
Mr. G. S. Khairnar’s Physics Notes. Mahad. (3. Rotational Motion)
rotating about an axis passing through its centre
perpendicular to its length. Calculate the moment of
inertias and radius of gyration of the rod about an
axis passes through a point midway between the
centre and its edge, perpendicular to its length.
(0.1458 kg m2, 0.3818 m)
 Additional Numericals for practice:
1) If earth suddenly shrink to half its radius keeping
mass constant, what would b e the length of the
day? [Ans: 6 hr.]
2) To maintain the rotor at uniform angular speed of
200 rad/s an engine needs to transmit a torque of
180 Nm, What is the power required to engine?[
Ans: 36 kW]
3) The wheel of car is running at 1440 rpm. In 10
seconds after pressing accelerator speed is 5640
rpm. Calculate angular acceleration of the wheel
and assuming it is to be constant find the angular
displacement of the wheel in 10 seconds [Ans: 43.9
rad/s2 and 3707 rad.]
4) A solid sphere of radius 25 cm and mass 10 kg
rolling without slipping on a ground with speed 2
m/s. If its MI about its own axis is 2.5 kgm2,
calculate its total kinetic energy. [Ans:11 joule]
5) A circular horizontal disc of mass M and radius R
is rotating about an axis passing through its center
and perpendicular to its plane with angular speed
ω. Another disc of same radius but mass M/4 is
gently placed coaxially on rotating disc. What is the
angular speed of previous disc about given axis of
rotation? [ Ans : 0.8 ω]
6) A man stands on rotating platform with his arms
outstretched holding 5 kg wt in each hand. The
angular speed of platform is 30 rpm. The man then
brings his arms close to his body with distance from
axis changing from 90 cm to 20 cm. The MI of man
together with platform is taken as constant and it is
7.6 kg/m2. What is new angular speed?
7) A metal stick is held vertically with its one end on
the floor and then allowed to fall. Find the speed of
other end when it hits the floor. Assuming that the
end on floor does not slips. [Ans:5.4 rad/s]
8) Find the angular momentum of earth about its
own axis of rotation, if it is assume as homogeneous
sphere of mass 6×1024Kg and radius 6400 km.
[Ans:7.146 ×1023 kg m/s2]
9) The radius of gyration of body about an axis of
rotation at distance 6 cm and from its center of
22
mass is 10 cm. Find the radius of gyration about a
parallel axis passing through center of mass.
Page
(8 cm )