Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2013 / 9 / a / Solution

Let $\theta$ measure the rim point mass's displacement from vertically below the fixed axis. The disk has moment of inertia $I_D=\frac{1}{2}(2M)R^2=M{R}^2$, and the rim mass contributes another $M{R}^2$. Its varying gravitational potential energy is $-MgR\cos \theta$. ThusThe disk's centre of mass remains fixed, so its own gravitational contribution is a constant and has been omitted. The total fixed-axis moment of inertia is $2M{R}^2$.