Boas Mathematical physics book, definition of center of mass

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the definition of the center of mass as presented in Boas' book. A participant questions the formula given for the center of mass, suggesting it should include a division by total mass (M). Another contributor clarifies that the second equality in the formula is correct, noting that since the center of mass (x_CM) is a constant, it can be factored out of the integral, leading to the correct expression of x_CM as the integral of position weighted by mass divided by total mass. The conversation also touches on the calculation of the center of mass for discrete objects, explaining that it can be viewed as a weighted mean of positions. The initial misunderstanding of the book's content is acknowledged, and the participant expresses gratitude for the clarification. Additionally, there is a mention of using delta functions to transition from discrete to continuous mass distributions.
fluidistic
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In Boas' book I can read that the definition of center of mass of a body has coordinates x_{CM}= \int x_{CM}dM= \int x dM.
Shouldn't it be this same integral but divided by M?!
Also, I didn't find the definition of center of mass for particles or any non continuous bodies.
I'd be grateful if someone could point me what I'm missing.

Edit: I forgot to say it's on page 210 in the 2nd edition.
 
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fluidistic said:
x_{CM}= \int x_{CM}dM

How could this be true? The second equality is correct. Since x_CM is a constant, you can pull it out of your integral. There's your missing M. You'll thus have x_CM = integral(stuff)/M

For discrete objects, it is just a weighted mean of the positions. Should be in there somewhere!
 
WiFO215 said:
How could this be true? The second equality is correct. Since x_CM is a constant, you can pull it out of your integral. There's your missing M. You'll thus have x_CM = integral(stuff)/M

For discrete objects, it is just a weighted mean of the positions. Should be in there somewhere!
My bad, I misunderstood the book. The first equality is wrong and the second is right as you said. Now I get it. Thanks a lot.
Yeah I know how to calculate the center of mass of discrete objects. I just wanted to be sure and referred to the book but couldn't find it (still didn't find it).
 
If that is so, then simply substitute in the density of the object delta functions for those mass points and the continuous reduces to the discrete ;)
 
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