engleski

Stationary points of the rigid body kinetic energy and the principal axes of inertia

We demonstrate how searching for extrema of rotational kinetic energy introduces the idea of principal axes of inertia without resorting to complexities of linear algebra or advanced calculus. We provide a motivational starting point for discussion with students by considering the rotation of a thin plate at the level of an elementary physics course. A numerical example is provided to emphasize key ideas. To entice alternative ways of thinking, we also present how similar conclusions can be derived from the square of angular momentum. A generalized procedure, appropriate for a classical mechanics course, is outlined in the Appendix.

extrema; rotating kinetic energy

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