The moment of inertia of a solid sphere, about an axis parallel to its diameter and at a distance of x from it, is 'I(x)'. Which one of the graphs represents the variation of I(x) with x correctly?
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)
(D)(see structure)✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
By the parallel-axis theorem the moment of inertia about an axis a distance x from the central diameter is I(x)=ICM+Mx2=52MR2+Mx2. This is an upward-opening parabola in x that does not pass through the origin but starts from the positive value 52MR2 at x=0. The graph that rises as a parabola from that non-zero intercept is the correct one.
JEE Main · 2019 · 12 Jan 2019 · Shift 2 · Single correct option