MAKING A PITCH FOR THE CENTER-OF-MASS AND THE MOMENT OF INERTIA

We propose some simple experiments to measure moments of inertia of ce rtain physical pendula having high and low symmetry. Periods of oscill ation, mass, and distance of the pivot from the center of mass are use d to measure I-CM for: (a) the ''floating eagle,'' an intriguing toy, and (b) a rectangular plate. Values of I-CM obtained from measurements about different parallel axes may be checked for consistency. (C) 199 7 American Association of Physics Teachers.