askvity

What is the Radius of Gyration of a Uniform Solid Sphere of Radius r About Its Diameter?

Published in Physics Radius of Gyration 3 mins read

Based on the provided reference information, the radius of gyration of a uniform solid sphere of radius r about its diameter is √25 r.

Understanding the Radius of Gyration

The radius of gyration is a concept used in rotational mechanics to describe how the mass of an object is distributed around an axis of rotation. It is represented by the symbol k and is defined by the relationship between the moment of inertia (I), the total mass (M) of the object, and the radius of gyration:

  • *I = M k²**

This means that if the entire mass of the object were concentrated at a distance k from the axis of rotation, it would have the same moment of inertia as the actual object with its mass distributed in space. The radius of gyration is essentially a measure of the effective distance of the mass from the axis of rotation.

Several factors influence the radius of gyration:

  • Mass distribution: How the mass is spread out relative to the axis.
  • Axis of rotation: The specific line about which the object rotates.
  • Shape of the object: Different shapes have different mass distributions.

Radius of Gyration for a Uniform Solid Sphere

The question asks about the radius of gyration of a sphere of radius r. To provide a specific value, we need to know the axis of rotation. The provided reference specifies the scenario:

"The radius of gyration of a uniform solid sphere of radius R is √25 R for rotation about its diameter."

This tells us:

  • Object Type: Uniform solid sphere (mass is evenly distributed throughout its volume).
  • Radius: Given as 'R' in the reference, which corresponds to 'r' in your question.
  • Axis of Rotation: About its diameter (an axis passing through the center of the sphere).

According to the reference, the radius of gyration (k) for this specific case (radius R, about diameter) is √25 R.

Applying this information to a sphere of radius r, we substitute R with r.

Therefore, the radius of gyration of a uniform solid sphere of radius r about its diameter, based on the provided reference, is:

  • k = √25 r

Simplifying the value from the reference, √25 is equal to 5.

So, based on the reference:

  • k = 5r

Summary Table

Property Value Notes
Object Type Sphere Uniform solid sphere specified by reference
Radius r Corresponds to R in the reference
Axis of Rotation Diameter Specified in the reference
Radius of Gyration (k) √25 r Value directly from the reference
Simplified Value 5r Simplification of √25

This table summarizes the specific conditions and the resulting radius of gyration value as derived from the provided reference.

Related Articles