
This problem is a continuation of problem 6, and assumes the result of that problem is already known. The Er has the type of elongated ellipsoidal shape described in that problem, with c >0. Its mass is
kg, it is observed to have a moment of inertia of
kg ·
for end-over-end rotation, and its shape is believed to be described by
m and c ≈ 0.2. Assuming that it
rotated rigidly, the usual equation for the moment of inertia could be applicable, but it may rotate more like a water balloon, in which case its moment of inertia would be significantly less
because not all the mass would actually flow. Test which type of rotation it is by calculating its moment of inertia for end-over-end rotation and comparing with the observed moment of inertia.
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