Class 11 Physics simulations · System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Parallel-axis theorem

Move a rotation axis away from the centre of a uniform disc and feel its growing inertia.

Open the simulation

What to notice

Moving the axis away adds inertia in proportion to the square of the offset.

Key relation

I = ½mR² + md²

Try this

Set the offset equal to the radius and compare with the central axis.

What you can change

• Disc mass: 1 to 10 kg
• Disc radius: 0.2 to 1 m
• Axis offset: 0 to 1.5 m

More in System of Particles and Rotational Motion

• Conservation of angular momentum
• Centre of mass of three masses
• Moment of inertia of shapes
• A rod as a physical pendulum
• Rolling without slipping
• Rolling race: ring, disc, spheres
• Torque and rotation
• Topple or slide?

See all Class 11 Physics simulations or every Physica simulation.