Physics Paper - 1

Mechanics and Properties Of Matter (SSA710-A )

Programme B.Sc
Subject PHYSICS
Semester FIRST
University KUVEMPU UNIVERSITY
Session 39
 Rotational motion

• Perpendicular Axis theorem

 Recap

• Moment of inertia
• Radius of gyration
 Learning Objectives

• The perpendicular axis theorem can be used to determine the moment of

inertia of a rigid object that lies entirely within a plane, about an axis
perpendicular to the plane
 Session Outcome

• Learn the perpendicular axis theorem

 Prerequisites

• Concept of rigid body

• Definition of moment of inertia
 Terms Used

• Moment of inertia
It is the product of mass of the body and square of the distance
from the axis of rotation
• Plain lamina
It is a body whose mass is concentrated in a single plain
 Perpendicular Axis theorem

• This theorem is applicable only to the plane laminar bodies

• States that, the moment of inertia of a plane laminar about an axis

perpendicular to its plane is equal to the sum of the moment of inertia of
the lamina about two axis mutually perpendicular to each other in its
plane and intersecting each other at the point where perpendicular axis
passes through it
Consider plane laminar body of arbitrary shape lying in the x-
y plane as shown in the figure

The moment of inertia about the z-axis equals to the sum

of the moments of inertia about the x-axis and y axis

To prove it consider the moment of inertia about

x-axis
=∑ mixi2
The moment of inertia about the y axis is

=∑ miyi2

Moment of inertia about z axis is

=∑ miri2

where ri is perpendicular distance of particle at point P from the OZ axis

For each element

ri2=xi2 + yi2
=+
Perpendicular axes for three dimensional body if given by

+ + = 2∑ miri2

Following are the applications of perpendicular axis theorem:

• The calculation of the moment of inertia about the third axis is possible
with the help of the perpendicular axis theorem. 

• The moment of inertia for three-dimensional objects can be determined

by using the perpendicular axis theorem.
 Session summary

• Statement of Perpendicular axis theorem

 MCQ’S

1. A rigid body is rotating with angular velocity about an axis through a fixed
point all the particle of the body will have
a) Same angular velocity
b) Different angular velocity
c) Zero angular velocity
d) None of the above
Ans= a
 MCQ’S

2.The moment of inertia of a body is always minimum with respect to its

a) Base
b) Centroidal axis
c) Vertical axis
d) Horizontal axis
Ans=b
 MCQ’S

3.The moment of inertia of a body does not depend upon its

a) mass
b) axis of rotation
c) shape
d) angular velocity

Ans=d
 MCQ’S
4. Moment of inertia of a circular section about an axis
perpendicular to the section is
A. πd3/16
B. πd3/32
C. πd4/32
D. πd4/64

Ans=  C
 MCQ’S
5. The perpendicular axis theorem for a plane area is given by
a) Iz=Ix+Iy
b) Ix=Iy+Iz
c) Iy=Ix+Iz
d) None of the above

Ans=a
 MCQ’S

6.One solid sphere A and another hollow sphere B are of same

mass and same outer radii. Their monents of inertia about their
diameters are respectively IA and IB such that

a) Iz=Ix

b) Iz>Ix

c) Iz<Ix

d)None of the above

Ans=c
 References

1. Prof. D.S. Mathur, (2014) Mechanics. Chand and Company

2. N sundrarajan, et al.(2015) College Physics Volume-1 (9th ed.) United publishers
3. Picture source https://physicscatalyst.com/mech/fig7_rot.png