Parallel and Perpendicular Axis Theorem of Moment of Inertia

eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Theorems of Moment of Inertia: Parallel and Perpendicular Axis Theorem
- Perpendicular axis theorem: [Only for laminar bodies] The sum of moments of inertia of a laminar body about any two mutually perpendicular axis in its plane is equal to its moment of inertia about an axis perpendicular to its plane and passing through the point intersection of the first two axis.
$\mathrm{I}_{z}=\mathrm{I}_{x}+\mathrm{I}_{y}$ This theorem works only for two dimensional object only. (Circular disk, ring, table top etc.) 2. Parallel axes theorem : [For all types of bodies] According to this principle, the moment of inertia of a rigid body about any axis is equal to the sum of its moment of inertia about a parallel axis through its center of mass and the product of the mass of the body and the square of the distance between the two axis. $\mathrm{I}=\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{g}}+\mathrm{Md}^{2}$ Ex. The diameter of flywheel increases by $1 \%$. Find the percentage increase in moment of inertia about axis of symmetry. Sol. The moment of inertia of flywheel is given by, $\quad \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{MR}^{2}$ Taking log, $\quad \log \mathrm{I}=\log \mathrm{M}+2 \log \mathrm{R}$ Differentiating, $\quad \frac{\mathrm{d} \mathrm{I}}{\mathrm{I}}=0+2 \frac{\mathrm{d} \mathrm{R}}{\mathrm{R}}$ $\therefore \quad \%$ change in moment of inertia $=\frac{d I}{I} \times 100=2 \times 1 \%=2 \%$ Ex. The moment of inertia of sphere is $20 \mathrm{kg}-\mathrm{m}^{2}$ about the diameter. Find the moment of inertia about any tangent.\ Sol. According to the theorem of parallel axes, we have $$ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{I}_{6}+\mathrm{Ma}^{2}=\frac{2}{5} \mathrm{MR}^{2}+\mathrm{MR}^{2} &(\because \mathrm{d}=\mathrm{R}) \\=&\left.\frac{7}{5} \mathrm{MR}^{2}=\frac{7}{2} \times \frac{2}{5} \mathrm{MR}^{2}=\frac{7}{2} \times 20=70 \mathrm{kg}-\mathrm{m}^{2} \quad \text { (Given } \frac{2}{5} \mathrm{MR}^{2}=20\right) \end{aligned} $$ Ex. If the moment of inertia of a disc about an axis tangentially and parallel to its surface be I, what will be the moment of inertia about the axis tangential but perpendicular to the surface. Sol. According to the theorem of parallel axes, the moment of inertia of the disc about an axis tangentially and parallel to the surface is given by- $$ \mathrm{I}=\mathrm{I}_{\|}=\frac{\mathrm{MR}^{2}}{4}+\mathrm{MR}^{2}=\frac{5}{4} \mathrm{MR}^{2} $$ The moment of inertia of the disc about an axis tangential but perpendicular to the surface is given by $$ \mathrm{I}^{\prime}=\frac{\mathrm{MR}^{2}}{2}+\mathrm{MR}^{2}=\frac{3}{2} \mathrm{MR}^{2}=\frac{6}{5}\left[\frac{5}{4} \mathrm{MR}^{2}\right]=\frac{6}{5} \mathrm{I} $$ Ex. Find the moment of inertia of a uniform semicircular wire of mass $M$ and radius $r$ about a line perpendicular to the plane of the wire through the center. $\begin{array}{ll}{\text { Sol. }} & {\delta \mathrm{I}=\delta \mathrm{m} . \mathrm{r}^{2}} \\ {\qquad \begin{aligned} \mathrm{I} &=r^{2} \Sigma \delta \mathrm{m} \\ &=\mathrm{Mr}^{2} \end{aligned}}\end{array}$ Ex. Two uniform, thin identical rods each of mass $M$ and length L are joined so as to form a cross as shown in fig. Find the moment of inertia of the cross about a bisector line AC. Sol. Moment of inertia of cross about axis passing through $\mathrm{O}$ and perpendicualr to the plane of rods. $\mathrm{I}_{0}=\frac{\mathrm{ML}^{2}}{12}+\frac{\mathrm{ML}^{2}}{12}$ With the help of theorem of perpendicular axes $$ \begin{aligned} 2 \mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{AC}}+\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{BD}}=\mathrm{I}_{0} & \text { c. } \\ \text { or } & \mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{AC}}=\frac{\mathrm{I}_{0}}{2}=\frac{\mathrm{ML}^{2}}{24} &\left(\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{AC}}=\mathrm{I}_{\mathrm{BD}}\right) \end{aligned} $$ Introduction to Rotational Dynamics Moment of Inertia Moment of Inertia: Perpendicular and Parallel axis theorem Radius of Gyration Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum Conservation of Angular Momentum Examples Kinetic Energy of a Rotating Body Work done in rotatory Motion Rotational Power Combine Translational and Rotational Motion Rolling without slipping Rolling on a plane surface Rolling on a Inclined Plane For Latest updates, Subscribe our Youtube Channel





Team eSaral
eSaral Academic and Editorial Team
Team eSaral is the collective author profile for educational content created by eSaral’s teachers and academic contributors. The team draws on expertise from IIT graduates, doctors, experienced educators and subject specialists to develop resources for JEE, NEET and school students. Our articles aim to explain concepts clearly and help students study with confidence.
Related Posts

BITSAT 2027: Registration Date, Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern & Fees
BITSAT 2027 exam dates, registration timeline, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, marking scheme, syllabus and fees in one page.

BITSAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF (2017-2026)
Download BITSAT previous year question papers PDF from 2017 to 2026,session-wise. Memory-based papers,exam pattern, paper analysis and how to practise

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2027: Expected Exam Dates, Release Date, Admit Card & Result Timeline
CBSE Class 10 date sheet 2027 is awaited. See the expected exam dates, release window, how to download the PDF, admit card and result timelines.

NCERT Physics Class 10 Book PDF in Hindi 2026-27 – भौतिक विज्ञान के 4 अध्याय (Free Download)
NCERT Physics Class 10 book PDF in Hindi 2026-27: download all 4 chapters (अध्याय 9–12) free, with topics and important formulas.

NCERT Biology Class 9 Book Anveshan PDF in Hindi - जीव विज्ञान कक्षा 9 पुस्तक अन्वेषण PDF
Download NCERT Biology Class 9 book PDF in Hindi chapterwise for 2026-27: Cell, Tissues, Reproduction and Diversity. Free PDFs.
-1.webp?2026-10-02T10%3A55%3A05.572Z)
Essay On Artificial Intelligence in English (100,150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
This is in contrast to the natural intelligence of humans. With Artificial Intelligence, machines can perform

Essay on 78th India Independence Day in English for Student (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
Read the best essays on India's Independence Day in English. Short & long essays (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500 words) perfect for school exams
NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots book - Free PDF download- Esaral
Download NCERT Class 11 English Snapshots book PDF for free. Get all 8 chapters, chapter-wise. Start your prep today!
NCERT Class 10 biology book pdf - Free PDF Download - eSaral
NCERT Class 10 Biology book PDF 2026-27: all 5 chapters (Life Processes to Our Environment) in English & Hindi, with CBSE syllabus, marks & practical

Essay on Global Warming in English (100,150, 200, 250, 300, 500 Words)
Global warming means the Earth is getting hotter. This happens because of things like pollution from cars and factories.
