Shown below are six arrangements of point masses. Each of the point masses is th

Question

Shown below are six arrangements of point masses. Each of the point masses is the same size and has the same mass. Also shown in each figure is a solid line representing an axis about which the masses are going to be rotated. Assume that the massess are connected by via rigid bars that weigh very little. Rank these arrangements, from greatest to least, on the basis of how hard it will be to start the arrangements rotating. That is, put first the arrangement that will be the most difficult to start rotating and put last the easiest arrangement. A.

Explanation / Answer

C (axis is horizontal, so gravitational force will directly make it hard)

D (more masses are on the outermost(far) from the axis and on the one side only, so it will be hard due to inertia of rotation)

A (less masses are on outermost side compared to D)

E (axis is in between the masses, so some masses are on one side, and remaining on other side, then obviously the "radius" is decreased for the outermost masses, hence rotational inertia decreased)

B ( same as in E , but less masses are on outermost side, so lesser inertia)

F (balanced masses on both side, minimum radius, minimum inertia)

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