Sample Problems

Chris Dackow and Bridget Rauch

Period 1

May 23, 2011

Parallel Axis Theorem

It is known that the rotational inertia for a rod rotated about its end is 31 M L2 (Figure 1). From
this expression, show that the rotational inertia of a rod with mass M and length L that rotates
1
about a perpendicular axis through its midpoint is 12 M L2 (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Rotated about end

Figure 2: Rotated about middle. Note that the length is still L

To answer this problem, we must approach it theoretically. Looking at the parallel axis theorem,
we know that
Inew = ICM + M R2
Given that the center of mass of a uniform bar (as above) would be in the center/midpoint, we
know that the ICM is the quantity we are looking for. Knowing that, we can say that the Inew is
our given 31 M L2 . The distance between the two points is L2 . Through this, we get:

 2
1 L
M L2 = ICM + M (1)
3 2
1 1
M L2 = ICM + M L2 (2)
3 4
1 1
 
− M L2 = ICM (3)
3 4
1
ICM = M L2 (4)
12

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Dackow/Rauch May 23, 2011

Yo-Yo Problems
A solid cylinder of mass M and radius r is released from rest. What will its velocity (v) be after
1.5 seconds? (See Figure 3)

Figure 3: Cylinder similar to a yo-yo

In order to get v, we know that v = vo + at from basic kinematics. As the system is released
from rest, we know that vo = 0. We are already given t = 1.5, so the final equation we are dealing
with comes to v = 1.5a. This means we need a to solve. Because this cylinder is not going to fall
freely, but will rotate, we cannot use a = g = 9.8 (m/s2 ). We must recognize that the rotation is
caused by torque, and use Newton’s second law to obtain α, with which we can get a. Specifically,
the torque acting on the cylinder is the tension of the rope. Using basic free body diagrams, we
know that mg − Ftension = ma. With that, we know that FT is the force that will go into the
Newton’s second law equation.

Στ = Iα (1)
r ∗ FT = Iα (2)
1
r ∗ FT = M r2 α (3)
2
1 a
r ∗ FT = M r2 (4)
2 r
1
T = Ma (5)
2
Now we can sub this equation for tension into the other equation, mg − Ftension = ma. This
leaves:
1
mg − M a = ma (6)
2
3
g = a (7)
2
2
a = g (8)
3

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Dackow/Rauch May 23, 2011

Now, as we have a, we can insert it into the kinematics equation v = vo + at:

v = vo + at (9)
2
v = 0 + g (1.5) (10)
3
v = g (11)

In conclusion, after 1.5 seconds, the cylinder will be traveling g (m/s) or approximately 9.8
(m/s).

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