Two identical thin rods of mass M kg and length L m are connected as shown in figure. Moment of inertia of the combined rod system about an axis passing through point P and perpendicular to the plane of the rods is x12ML2 kg m2. The value of x is . [figure]
Answer
17
Solution
Vertical rod (axis through its end P): I1 = ML23 = 4ML212
Horizontal rod: its centre is at a distance L from P. By the parallel axis theorem:
I2 = ML212 + ML2 = 13ML212
I = I1 + I2 = 4ML212 + 13ML212 = 1712ML2
x = 17
Answer: 17