Key Term: I(com)

Definition

Definition: The moment of inertia about the center of mass (I(com)) is a measure of an object's resistance to rotational motion. It depends on both the mass distribution and shape of the object.

Analogy

Analogy: Think of a spinning figure skater. When they bring their arms closer to their body, they spin faster because their moment of inertia decreases. Similarly, when an object's mass is concentrated closer to its axis of rotation, its moment of inertia decreases and it rotates faster.

Related terms

Torque: Torque is the rotational equivalent of force. It causes objects to rotate around an axis and depends on both the force applied and the distance from the axis.

Angular Momentum: Angular momentum is a property that describes an object's tendency to keep rotating at a constant speed. It depends on both the moment of inertia and angular velocity.

Rotational Kinetic Energy: Rotational kinetic energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its rotation. It depends on both the moment of inertia and angular velocity.