<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Parallel_axis_theorem.svg/768px-Parallel_axis_theorem.svg.png">
<p>[<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parallel_axis_theorem.svg">Image 1</a>]</p>
<h2>Introduction</h2>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hey it's a me again <a href="https://steemit.com/@drifter1">@drifter1</a>! Today we continue with <strong>Physics</strong> and more specifically the branch "<strong>Classical Mechanics</strong>" to get into the <strong>Parallel Axis Theorem</strong>, that's quite useful for calculating Moments of Inertia (I). So, without further ado, let's get straight into it!</p>
<hr>
<h2>Parallel Axis Theorem</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's consider a system of particles with a total mass <em>M = Σm<sub>i</sub></em>, that's rotating about a fixed axis <em>O</em>. The <strong>origin</strong> of our coordinate system will be placed at the <strong>center of mass</strong> (CM) of this system of particles. So, each general point of the system has some coordinate (x<sub>i</sub>, y<sub>i</sub>). In the same way the axis O also has some coordinate (a, b). All this can be described by a <strong>diagram</strong> like this one:<br>
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/Y0XC2gxL/Untitled-1.jpg"><br><br>
Of course from the <strong>definition of the center of mass</strong> (CM) we know that:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/c4/ql_5625cd39fa4aa4141d969360664509c4_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the <strong>definition of the moment of inertia</strong> <em>I<sub>O</sub> = Σ<sub>i</sub> m<sub>i</sub> r<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup><sub>O</sub></em>, we know that <em>r</em> is measured in respect to O, and not CM. But, the quantity <em>r<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup><sub>O</sub></em> can easily be <strong>written in respect to the center of mass</strong> as:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/ea/ql_4c66817656702b9a5a820df149042dea_l3.png"><br><br>
Substituting this into the equation of I we get:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/43/ql_cade63eac483842cef48eb4f8bc69143_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the two equation of the center of mass: x<sub>CM</sub> and y<sub>CM</sub>, we know that the x<sub>i</sub> and y<sub>i</sub> terms in this sum will go to zero. After that let's also split the sum into two parts: one with x's and y's and one with a's and b's. So, we end up with:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/17/ql_c9a4675aecca127eee0e80f26a455517_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sum <em>(x<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup> + y<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup>)</em> is simply equal to r<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup>, where r<sub>i</sub> is now being measured from the CM. So, the first sum gives us the <strong>moment of inertia for the center of mass</strong> (I<sub>CM</sub>). In the same way, we can also substitute the other quantity, cause the sum <em>(a<sup>2</sup> + b<sup>2</sup>)</em> is equal to R<sup>2</sup><sub>O</sub>, where R<sub>O</sub> is the distance from O to CM. That way the second sum turns into the simpler term MR<sub>O</sub><sup>2</sup>. So, in the end, we finally get the <strong>Parallel Axis Theorem</strong> or <strong>Huygens-Steiner Theorem equation</strong>:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/8e/ql_52f96257c82f496465b9ca4c199a8d8e_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To put it simply, this theorem tells us that the moment of inertia of any object about an axis is minimum when this axis is through its center of mass. For any axis parallel to that axis we have to add the term MR<sup>2</sup><sub>O</sub> or Md<sup>2</sup>, where d is the distance of the axis of rotation (O) from the center of mass (CM). So, calculating the moment of inertia of common objects in any other axis of the object is easy, cause we just have to add the term Md<sup>2</sup> to the moment of inertia that has already been proven for the center of mass.<br><br>
To understand the Theorem even better, let's now get into an example! 
<hr>
<h2>Example from <a href="hphysics.bu.edu/~redner/211-sp06/class-rigid-body/parallelaxis.html">physics.bu.edu</a></h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's consider a uniform rod of length L and mass M that's rotating about an axis through the center, perpendicular to the rod. How much is the moment of inertia for that axis?<br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the previous article we said that the moment of inertia for the center of the rod, which tends to also be the center of mass, is given by:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/0a/ql_6f1d87ff4d9c37918fecdfc6b4b4340a_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another common moment of inertia for such a rod is calculated at the end of the rod and given by:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/ff/ql_ca3c140581c74a3bc9bba9bf24f773ff_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Let's suppose that we don't know the moment of inertia for the center of mass (we can use it for validation), but we know the moment of inertia for the end of the rod! So, the Parallel Axis Theorem will be used for calculating I<sub>CM</sub>:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/3e/ql_dbbc0b63d6ac481dbabf7effd1dacf3e_l3.png"><br><br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The distance from the center to the end of the rod is simply L/2. By also substituting the moment of inertia that we know for the end of the rod we get:<br>
<img src="https://quicklatex.com/cache3/46/ql_50523c10242bb214dd8a3eb56444ce46_l3.png"><br><br>
We really end up with the equation that we already know for CM!!
<hr>
<h2>RESOURCES:</h2>
<h3>References</h3>
<ol>
<li>http://www.public.asu.edu/~gbadams/sum00/parallelaxisT.pdf</li>
<li>http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/parax.html</li>
<li>http://physics.bu.edu/~redner/211-sp06/class-rigid-body/parallelaxis.html</li>
</ol>
<h3>Images</h3>
<ol>
<li><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parallel_axis_theorem.svg">https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parallel_axis_theorem.svg</a></li>
</ol>
<br>
<p>Mathematical equations used in this article, where made using <a href="http://quicklatex.com/">quicklatex</a>.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Previous articles of the series</h2>
<h3>Rectlinear motion</h3>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-velocity-and-acceleration-in-a-rectlinear-motion">Velocity and acceleration in a rectlinear motion</a> -&gt; velocity, acceleration and averages of those</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-rectlinear-motion-with-constant-accelaration-and-free-falling">Rectlinear motion with constant acceleration and free falling</a> -&gt; const acceleration motion and free fall</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-rectlinear-motion-with-variable-acceleration-and-velocity-relativity">Rectlinear motion with variable acceleration and velocity relativity</a> -&gt; integrations to calculate pos and velocity, relative velocity</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-rectlinear-motion-exercises">Rectlinear motion exercises</a> -&gt; examples and tasks in rectlinear motion</li>
</ul>
<h3>Plane motion</h3>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-position-velocity-and-acceleration-vectors-in-a-plane-motion">Position, velocity and acceleration vectors in a plane motion</a> -&gt; position, velocity and acceleration in plane motion</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-projectile-motion-as-a-plane-motion">Projectile motion as a plane motion</a> -&gt; missile/bullet motion as a plane motion</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-smooth-circular-motion">Smooth Circular motion</a> -&gt; smooth circular motion theory</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-plane-motion-exercises">Plane motion exercises</a> -&gt; examples and tasks in plane motions</li>
</ul>
<h3>Newton's laws and Applications</h3>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-force-and-newton-s-first-law">Force and Newton's first law </a>-&gt; force, 1st law</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-mass-and-newton-s-second-law">Mass and Newton's second law</a> -&gt; mass, 2nd law</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-newton-s-3rd-law-and-mass-vs-weight">Newton's 3rd law and mass vs weight</a> -&gt; mass vs weight, 3rd law, friction</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-applying-newton-s-laws">Applying Newton's Laws</a> -&gt; free-body diagram, point equilibrium and 2nd law applications</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-contact-forces-and-friction">Contact forces and friction</a> -&gt; contact force, friction</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-dynamics-of-circular-motion">Dynamics of Circular motion</a> -&gt; circular motion dynamics, applications</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-object-equilibrium-and-2nd-law-application-examples">Object equilibrium and 2nd law application examples</a> -&gt; examples of object equilibrium and 2nd law applications</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-contact-force-and-friction-examples">Contact force and friction examples</a> -&gt; exercises in force and friction</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-circular-dynamic-and-vertical-circle-motion-examples">Circular dynamic and vertical circle motion examples </a>-&gt; exercises in circular dynamics</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-advanced-newton-law-examples">Advanced Newton law examples</a> -&gt; advanced (more difficult) exercises</li>
</ul>
<h3>Work and Energy</h3>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-work-and-kinetic-energy">Work and Kinetic Energy</a> -&gt; Definition of Work, Work by a constant and variable Force, Work and Kinetic Energy, Power, Exercises</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/busy/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-conservative-and-non-conservative-forces">Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces</a> -&gt; Conservation of Energy, Conservative and Non-Conservative Forces and Fields, Calculations and Exercises</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/busy/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-potential-and-mechanical-energy">Potential and Mechanical Energy</a> -&gt; Gravitational and Elastic Potential Energy, Conservation of Mechanical Energy, Problem Solving Strategy & Tips</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/busy/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-force-and-potential-energy">Force and Potential Energy</a> -&gt; Force as Energy Derivative (1-dim) and Gradient (3-dim)</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-potential-energy-diagrams">Potential Energy Diagrams</a> -&gt; Energy Diagram Interpretation, Steps and Example </li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-internal-energy-and-work">Potential Energy Diagrams</a> -&gt;  Internal Energy, Internal Work </li>
</ul>
<h3>Momentum and Impulse</h3>
<ul>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-conservation-of-momentum">Conservation of Momentum</a> -&gt; Momentum, Conservation of Momentum</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-elastic-and-inelastic-collisions">Elastic and Inelastic Collisions</a> -&gt; Collision, Elastic Collision, Inelastic Collision</li>
  <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-collision-examples">Collision Examples</a> -&gt; Various Elastic and Inelastic Collision Examples</li>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-impulse">Impulse</a> -&gt; Impulse with Example</li>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-motion-of-the-center-of-mass">Motion of the Center of Mass</a> -&gt; Center of Mass, Motion analysis with examples</li>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-explaining-the-physics-behind-rocket-propulsion">Explaining the Physics behind Rocket Propulsion</a> -&gt; Required Background, Rocket Propulsion Analysis </li>
</ul>
<h3>Angular Motion</h3>
<ul>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-angular-motion-basics">Angular motion basics</a> -&gt; Angular position, velocity and acceleration </li>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-rotation-with-constant-angular-acceleration">Rotation with constant angular acceleration</a> -&gt; Constant angular acceleration, Example</li>
 <li><a href="https://steemit.com/physics/@drifter1/physics-classical-mechanics-rotational-kinetic-energy-and-moment-of-inertia">Rotational Kinetic Energy & Moment of Inertia </a> -&gt; Rotational kinetic energy, Moment of Inertia</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>Final words | Next up</h2>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is actually it for today's post! Next time we will get into Torque...which is a quite interesting topic!</p>
<p>See ya!</p>
<p><img src="https://steemitimages.com/DQmecufxEjbsrjrCLHDzeXNUvTXaCoWbVvhWtHmWjURcnuC/red%20atom.gif" width="640" height="280"/></p>
<p><img src="https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://media.giphy.com/media/ybITzMzIyabIs/giphy.gif" width="500" height="333"/></p>
<p>Keep on drifting!</p>