Question

Why is the moment of inertia important?

Answer 1

To allow calculation of the angular acceleration that results when a certain torque is applied.

Explanation:

The formula
`F = m*a`
applies in linear motion.

Moment of inertia is given the variable name `I`.

The formula
`tau = I*alpha`
applies in angular motion.
(In words,
`"torque" = "moment of inertia"*"angular acceleration"`)

I hope this helps,
Steve