Numford

MechanicsClass 11, System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Dimensional formula of Moment of inertia

[M L2]

SymbolI SI unitkilogram metre squared (kg m²)

Mass times the square of its distance from the axis. It plays the part of mass in rotation.

Derivation

How to get the dimensional formula of moment of inertia

  1. Start from the definition: moment of inertia = mass × length2.
  2. Put in the dimension of each part: [M] × [L]2.
  3. Add the powers of each base quantity: [M L2].
Practice

Three questions on moment of inertia

1Which is the dimensional formula of moment of inertia?

2What is the SI unit of moment of inertia?

3Do moment of inertia and radius of gyration have the same dimensions?

Questions

Moment of inertia: quick answers

What is the dimensional formula of moment of inertia?

The dimensional formula of moment of inertia is [M L²]. It comes from moment of inertia = mass × length².

What is the SI unit of moment of inertia?

The SI unit of moment of inertia is the kilogram metre squared (kg m²).

Is moment of inertia dimensionless?

No. Moment of inertia has the dimensions [M L²].

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