Question:medium

For a uniform rectangular sheet shown in the figure, the ratio of moments of inertia about the axes perpendicular to the sheet and passing through \( O \) (the center of mass) and \( O' \) (corner point) is:

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To compute the moment of inertia about an axis parallel to the center of mass axis, apply the parallel axis theorem: \( I = I_{\text{center}} + M \cdot d^2 \). Ensure correct calculations for \( d \), the perpendicular distance.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • \( \frac{2}{3} \)
  • \( \frac{1}{4} \)
  • \( \frac{1}{8} \)
  • \( \frac{1}{2} \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The moment of inertia (\( I_O \)) of a rectangular sheet about an axis passing through its center of mass (\( O \)) is given by: \[I_O = \frac{M}{12} \left( a^2 + b^2 \right),\] where \( a = 80 \, \text{cm} \) and \( b = 60 \, \text{cm} \) are the rectangle's dimensions, and \( M \) is its mass. Step 1: Calculate \( I_O \). Substituting the given values: \[I_O = \frac{M}{12} \left( 80^2 + 60^2 \right).\] Simplifying: \[I_O = \frac{M}{12} \left( 6400 + 3600 \right) = \frac{M}{12} \cdot 10000 = \frac{10000M}{12}.\] Step 2: Use the Parallel Axis Theorem to Find \( I_{O'} \). The moment of inertia about \( O' \) is calculated using: \[I_{O'} = I_O + M \cdot d^2,\] where \( d \) is the perpendicular distance between \( O \) and \( O' \). The distance \( d \) is calculated as: \[d = \sqrt{\left(\frac{a}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2} = \sqrt{40^2 + 30^2} = 50 \, \text{cm}.\] Substituting \( d = 50 \, \text{cm} \): \[I_{O'} = \frac{10000M}{12} + M \cdot 50^2.\] Simplifying: \[I_{O'} = \frac{10000M}{12} + 2500M = \frac{10000M}{12} + \frac{30000M}{12} = \frac{40000M}{12}.\] Step 3: Find the Ratio of \( I_O \) to \( I_{O'} \). \[\frac{I_O}{I_{O'}} = \frac{\frac{10000M}{12}}{\frac{40000M}{12}} = \frac{10000}{40000} = \frac{1}{4}.\] Final Answer: \[\boxed{\frac{1}{4}}\]
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