Why is the moment of inertia important?

1 Answer
Steve J.
Apr 27, 2018

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

Explanation:

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

Moment of inertia is given the variable name II.

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

I hope this helps,
Steve

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