PARALLEL AXIS THEOREM EXAMPLES

Use the Parallel Axis Theorem to find the moment of inertia about a parallel axis that is 5 meters away from the center of mass of the object pictured below. Assume that the weight of the rods is negligible.

One should begin by analyzing the object and writing down the parallel axis theorem equation.

Thus, one should begin by calculating the moment of inertia about the center of mass. Since its clear that this object is symmetrical, one should put the axis exactly in the middle as shown below.

Now that one has successfully calculated the moment of inertia about the center of mass, one should go back to the Parallel Axis Theorem equation and solve the problem.