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JEE (/jee/) >  IIT JEE Study Material (/jee/iit-jee-study-material/) >  Moment Of Inertia (/jee/moment-of-inertia/)

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia is an important topic and is asked in most of the physics problems
involving mass in rotational motion. Normally, MOI is used to calculate angular
momentum. We shall learn about this topic more in the following paragraphs.

What is Moment of Inertia?

Moment of inertia is defined as the quantity expressed by the body resisting angular
acceleration which is the sum of the product of the mass of every particle with its
square of a distance from the axis of rotation. Or in more simple terms, it can be
described as a quantity that decides the amount of torque needed for a specific
angular acceleration in a rotational axis. Moment of Inertia is also known as the
angular mass or rotational inertia. The SI unit of moment of inertia is kg m2.
Moment of inertia is usually specified with respect to a chosen axis of rotation. It
mainly depends on the distribution of mass around an axis of rotation. MOI varies
depending on the axis that is chosen.

Table of Content
Formula
Leave a message
Factors affecting MOI
Moment of Inertia of System of Particles
For Rigid Bodies
Calculation
Moment of Inertia for different objects
Parallel Axis Theorem
Radius of Gyration
Solved Examples
Moment of Inertia of Different Shapes and Objects

Moment of Inertia Formula

In General form Moment of Inertia is expressed as I = m × r2 
where,
m = Sum of the product of the mass.
r = Distance from the axis of the rotation.
and, Integral form: I = ∫dI = ∫[0→M] r2 dm
⇒ The dimensional formula (https://byjus.com/jee/units-and-dimensions/) of the
moment of inertia is given by, M1 L2 T0.
The role of the moment of inertia is the same as the role of mass in linear motion. It
is the measurement of the resistance of a body to a change in its rotational motion. It
is constant for a particular rigid frame and a specific axis of rotation.
Moment of inertia, I = ∑mi ri2. . . . . . . (1)
Kinetic Energy, K = ½ I ω2 . . . . . . . . . (2)

What are the Factors on which Moment of Inertia Depends?

The moment of inertia depends on the following factors,
The density of the material
Shape and size of the body
 Shape and size of the body
Axis of rotation (distribution of mass relative to the axis)
We can further categorize rotating body systems as follows:
1. Discrete (System of particles)
2. Continuous (Rigid body)
Also Read:
Area Moment Of Inertia (https://byjus.com/jee/area-moment-of-inertia/)
Polar Moment Of Inertia (https://byjus.com/jee/polar-moment-of-inertia/)
Mass Moment Of Inertia (https://byjus.com/jee/mass-moment-of-inertia/)

Moment of Inertia of a System of Particles

The moment of inertia of a system of particles is given by,
I = ∑ mi ri2 [from equation (1)]
where ri is the perpendicular distance from the axis to the ith particle which has mass
mi.

Example:

Moment of Inertia of Rigid Bodies

The moment of inertia of continuous mass distribution is found by using the
integration technique. If the system is divided into an infinitesimal element of mass
‘dm’ and if ‘x’ is the distance from the mass element to the axis of rotation, the

moment of inertia is:

I = ∫ r2 dm . . . . . . (3)

Calculation of Moment of Inertia

A step-by-step guide for calculating the moment of inertia is given below:

Moment of Inertia of a Uniform Rod about a Perpendicular Bisector

Consider a uniform rod of mass M and length L and the moment of inertia should be
calculated about the bisector AB. Origin is at 0.
The mass element ‘dm’ considered is between x and x + dx from the origin.
As the rod is uniform, mass per unit length (linear mass density) remains constant.
∴  M/L = dm/dx
dm = (M/L)dx
Moment of inertia of dm = dI = dm x2
dI = (M/L) x2.dx
I = ∫+L/2-L/2 dI = M/L × -L/2∫+L/2 x2 dx
Here, x = -L/2 is the left end of the rod and ‘x’ changing from –L/2 to +L/2, the
 , / g g / / ,
element covers the entire rod.
I = M/L × [x3/3]+L/2-L/2
I = R2 × M/2π × [θ]2π0
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a uniform rod about a perpendicular bisector (I) =
ML2/12.

Moment of Inertia of a Circular Ring about its Axis

The line perpendicular to the plane of the ring through its centre – Consider the
radius of the ring as R and its mass as M. All the elements are at the same distance
from the axis of rotation, R.
Linear mass density is constant.
∴ M/2πR = dm/dθ
dm = M/2π × dθ
I = ∫ R2 dm = R2 0∫2π [M/2π] dθ
Limits: θ = 0 to 2π includes the whole mass of the ring
∴ I = R2 [M/2π] × [θ]2π0
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a circular ring about its axis (I) = MR2.
⇒ Note that in one-dimensional bodies, if it’s uniform, their linear mass density (M/L)
remains constant. Similarly, for 2D and 3D, M/A (surface density) and M/V (volume
density) remain constant respectively.
⇒ Know the relation between torque and moment of inertia here
(https://byjus.com/physics/relation-between-torque-and-moment-of-inertia/)

M fI i f R l Pl b Li P ll l Ed
Moment of Inertia of a Rectangular Plate about a Line Parallel to an Edge
and Passing through the Centre

The mass element can be taken between x and x + dx from the axis AB.
As the plate is uniform, M/A is constant.
M/A = dm/da
M/[l×b] = dm/dx.b
dm = M/lb × b × dx = M/Ll dx
I = ∫ x2 dm = M/l × -l/2∫+l/2 [x2] dx
Limits: the left end of the rectangular plate is at x = -l/2 and the whole plate is
covered by taking x from x = -l/2 to x = +l/2.
I = M/l [x3/3]-l/2+l/2 = Ml2/12
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a rectangular plate about a line parallel to an
edge and passing through the centre (I) =  Ml2/12.
⇒ Note: If the mass element is chosen parallel to the length of the plate, then the
moment of inertia would be, I = Mb2/12.

Moment of Inertia of a Uniform Circular Plate about its Axis

Let the mass of the plate be M and the radius be R. The centre is at O and the axis is
perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The mass element considered is a thin ring
between x and x+dx with thickness dx and mass dm.
As the plane is uniform, the surface mass density is constant.
M/A = dm/da

M/πR2 = dm/[2π.x.dx]
I = ∫ x2 dm = 2M/R2 × 0∫R x3 . dx
Limits: As we take the area of all mass elements from x=0 to x=R, we cover the whole
plate.
I = 2M/R2 [x4/4]R0 = 2M/R2 × R4/4 = MR2/2
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a uniform circular plate about its axis (I) = MR2/2.

Moment of Inertia of thin Spherical Shell or Uniform Hollow Sphere

Let M and R be the mass and the radius of the sphere, O at its centre and OX be the
given axis. The mass is spread over the surface of the sphere and the inside is
hollow.
Let us consider radii of the sphere at an angle θ and at an angle θ+dθ with the axis
OY and the element (thin ring) of mass dm with radius Rsinθ is taken as we rotate
these radii about OY. The width of this ring is Rdθ and its periphery is 2πRsinθ.
As the hollow sphere is uniform, the surface mass density (M/A) is constant.
M/A = dm/da
M/4πR2 = dm/[2π × Rsinθ . Rdθ]
2 2
dm = [M/4πR2] × 2πR2 . sinθ dθ = M/2 × sinθ dθ
I = ∫ x2 dm = 0∫π (R sin θ)2 × M/2 sinθ dθ
Limits: As θ increases from 0 to π, the elemental rings cover the whole spherical
surface.
I = MR2/2 × 0∫π sin3 θ dθ = MR2/2 × 0∫π [sin2 θ . sin θ] × dθ

= MR2/2 0∫π (1 – cos2 θ) sin θ × dθ

Now, on integrating the above equation by the substitution method we get,
Take u = cos θ dθ
Then, du = – sin θ dθ
Changing limits, when θ = 0, u = 1
When, θ = π, u = -1
I = MR2/2 × 1∫-1 (1 – u2) (-du)
= MR2/2 × 1∫-1 (u2 – 1) (du)
= MR2/2 × [u3/3 – u]1-1
= MR2/2 [-2/3 + 2] = MR2/2 × [4/3] = 2MR2/5
Therefore, the moment of inertia of thin spherical shell and uniform hollow sphere (I)
= 2MR2/5.

Moment of Inertia of a uniform solid sphere

Let us consider a sphere of radius R and mass M. A thin spherical shell of radius x,
mass dm and thickness dx is taken as a mass element. Volume density (M/V)
remains constant as the solid sphere is uniform.
M/V = dm/dV
M/[4/3 × πR3] = dm/[4πx2.dx]
dm = M/[4/3 × πR3] × 4πx2 dx = [3M/R3] x2 dx
I = ∫ dI = 2/3 × ∫ dm . x2
= 2/3 × ∫ [3M/R3 dx] x4
= 2M/R3 × 0∫R x4 dx
Limits: As x increases from 0 to R, the elemental shell covers the whole spherical
surface.
I = 2M/R3 [x5/5]R0
= 2M/R3 × R5/5
Therefore, the moment of inertia of a uniform solid sphere (I) = 2MR2/5.

Moment of Inertia for different Objects

As we note in the table above, the moment of inertia depends upon the axis of
rotation. Whatever we have calculated so far are the moment of inertia of those
objects when the axis is passing through their centre of masses (Icm). Having
chosen, two different axes you will observe that the object resists the rotational
change differently. Therefore, to find the moment of inertia through any given axis,
the following theorems are useful.
Parallel Axis Theorem
Perpendicular Axis Theorem

Parallel Axis Theorem

The moment of inertia of an object about an axis through its centre of mass is the
minimum moment of inertia for an axis in that direction in space. The moment of
inertia about an axis parallel to that axis through the centre of mass is given by,
I = Icm + Md2
Where d is the distance between the two axes.
⇒ Read more on Parallel and Perpendicular axis theorem
(https://byjus.com/physics/parallel-perpendicular-axes-theorem/)
Radius of Gyration

If the moment of inertia (I) of a body of mass m about an axis be written in the form:
I = Mk2
Here, k is called the radius of gyration of the body (https://byjus.com/physics/radius-
of-gyration/) about the given axis. It represents the radial distance from the given
axis of rotation where the entire mass of the body can be assumed to be
concentrated so that its rotational inertia remains unchanged.
The radius of gyration for a solid sphere about its axis is:
Mk2 = 2MR2/5, or k = √[2/5] × R.

Solved Example
1. From a uniform circular disc of radius R and mass 9 M, a small disc of radius R/3
is removed as shown in the figure. Calculate the moment of inertia of the remaining
disc about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the disc and passing through the
centre of the disc.

Solution:
The moment of inertia of removed part abut the axis passing through the centre of
mass (https://byjus.com/jee/center-of-mass/) and perpendicular to the plane of the
disc = Icm + md2
= [m × (R/3)2]/2 + m × [4R2/9] = mR2/2
Therefore, the moment of inertia of the remaining portion = moment of inertia of the
complete disc – moment of inertia of the removed portion
= 9mR2/2 – mR2/2 = 8mR2/2
Th f th t fi ti f th i i ti (I ) 4 R2
Therefore, the moment of inertia of the remaining portion (I remaining) = 4mR2.
2. Moment  Two balls connected by a rod, as shown in the figure below (Ignore
rod’s mass). Mass of ball X is 700 grams and the mass of ball Y is 500 grams. What
is the moment of inertia of the system about AB?

Given
The rotation axis is AB
mX = 700 grams = 0.7 kg
mY = 500 grams = 0.5 kg
rX = 10cm = 0.1m
rY = 40cm = 0.4m
Solution: 
I = mX rX2 + mY rY2
I = (0.7)× (0.1)2 + (0.5)× (0.4)2
I = 7 × 10-3 + 0.08
I = 0.087 kg m2
Moment of inertia of the system is 0.087 kg m2
3. Two balls connected by a rod as shown in the figure below (Ignore rod’s mass).
What is the moment of inertia of the system?
Given
mX = 300 grams = 0.3 kg

mY = 500 grams = 0.5 kg

rX = 0cm = 0m
rY = 30cm = 0.3m
Solution:
I = mX rX2 + mY rY2
I = (0.3)× (0)2 + (0.5)× (0.3)2
I = 0 + 0.045
I = 0.045 kg m2
Moment of inertia of the system is 0.045kg m2
4. The mass of each ball is 200 gram, connected by cord. The length of cord is 80
cm and the width of cord is 40 cm. What is the moment of inertia of the balls about
the axis of rotation (Ignore cord’s mass).

Given
Mass of ball = m1 = m2 = m3 = m4 = 200 gram = 0.2kg
Distance between ball and the axis of rotation (r1) = 40cm = 0.4 m
Distance between ball 2 and the axis of rotation (r2) = 40 cm = 0.4 m
Distance between ball 3 and the axis of rotation (r2) = 40 cm = 0.4 m
Distance between ball 4 and the axis of rotation (r2) = 40 cm = 0.4 m
Solu:
I = m1 r12 + m2 r22 + m3 r32 + m4 r42
I = (0.2) × (0.4)2 + (0.2) × (0.4 m)2 + (0.2) × (0.4)2 + (0.2) × (0.4)2
I = 0.032 + 0.032 + 0.032 + 0.032
I = 0.128 kg m2
Moment of inertia of the balls about the axis o.128 kg m2

Moment of Inertia of Different Shapes and Objects

Here is a list of the MOI of different shapes and objects.

Moment Of Inertia Of Cylinder Moment Of Inertia Of A Solid Cylinder

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-cylinder/) inertia-of-a-solid-cylinder/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Hollow Cylinder Moment Of Inertia Of Rectangular

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- Section
inertia-of-a-hollow-cylinder/) (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-rectangle/)

Moment Of Inertia Of Rectangular Plate Moment Of Inertia Of A Disc

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-rectangular-plate/) inertia-of-a-disc/)

Moment Of Inertia Of Annular Disc Moment Of Inertia Of A Sphere

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-annular-disc/) inertia-of-a-sphere/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Hollow Sphere Moment Of Inertia Of A Rod

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-hollow-sphere/) inertia-of-a-rod/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Triangle Moment Of Inertia Of Ellipse

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-triangle/) inertia-of-ellipse/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Cone Moment Of Inertia Of Solid Cone

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-cone/) inertia-of-solid-cone/)

Moment Of Inertia Of Hollow Cone Moment Of Inertia Of A Square

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
 inertia-of-hollow-cone/) inertia-of-a-square/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Circle Moment Of Inertia Of A Quarter Circle

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-circle/) inertia-of-a-quarter-circle/)

Moment Of Inertia Of Semicircle Moment Of Inertia Of A Ring

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-semicircle/) inertia-of-a-ring/)

Moment Of Inertia Of A Cube Moment Of Inertia Of Flywheel

(https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of- (https://byjus.com/jee/moment-of-
inertia-of-a-cube/) inertia-of-flywheel/)

 
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