Question Detail
Question
A system consists of two small masses: a 2 kg mass at a distance of 1 m from an axis, and a 3 kg mass at a distance of 2 m from the same axis. What is the total moment of inertia of the system?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The moment of inertia is calculated using I = ∑ m_i r_i². For the first mass: I₁ = (2 kg)(1 m)² = 2 kg m². For the second mass: I₂ = (3 kg)(2 m)² = 3 kg × 4 m² = 12 kg m². The total I = I₁ + I₂ = 2 + 12 = 14 kg m².
Hint
Calculate the contribution of each mass separately using I = mr² and then add them together.