Kilogram-Meter Squared (kgm^2)

Definition

Kilogram-Meter Squared is a unit of rotational inertia or moment of inertia, which measures an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion. It depends on both the mass and distribution of mass around the axis of rotation.

Analogy

Imagine a spinning figure skater. The kgm^2 can be thought of as the skater's ability to keep spinning due to their body's mass distribution. Just like how it's easier for a skater with arms extended to spin compared to when they pull their arms close to their body, objects with more mass distributed farther from the axis have higher kgm^2 values.

Related terms

Torque: Torque is the measure of how effectively a force can cause an object to rotate and is calculated by multiplying force and distance from the pivot point.

Angular Momentum: Angular momentum is a property that describes an object's tendency to keep rotating at a constant speed unless acted upon by an external torque.

Rotational Kinetic Energy: Rotational kinetic energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its rotation and is calculated using half of its moment of inertia multiplied by its angular velocity squared.