Like linear inertia, rotational inertia deprnds upon the mass of the object. Rotational inertia also depends on how the mass is distributed about the axis of rotation. If you have ever tried to lift a weight attached to the end of a long handle, you will notice that it seems much heavier than if you lift the same mass with a short handie. A tight rope walker uses a long pole while balancing on the rope. This helps him maintain his balance because most of the mass of the pole is far away from the center of rotation. The pole has a large rotational inertia, helping the tight rope walker to resist changes in his motion(prevent him from falling). Simply stated, if the mass is farther from the axis, the rotational inertia is larger.