Chapter 8 - Rotational Motion and Equilibrium - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 302: 15

The tightrope walker carries a long pole to aid balance due to moment of inertia. The long pole increases the tightrope walker's moment of inertia by placing mass far away from the body's centre line. As a result, any small wobbles about the equilibrium position happens more slowly. They have longer time period of oscillation and the walker has more time to respond and restore the equilibrium.

The tightrope walker carries a long pole to aid balance due to moment of inertia. The long pole increases the tightrope walker's moment of inertia by placing mass far away from the body's centre line. As a result, any small wobbles about the equilibrium position happens more slowly. They have longer time period of oscillation and the walker has more time to respond and restore the equilibrium.