Calculating Center of Mass of a Car: Step-by-Step Guide

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass of a car using weight measurements from scales under the front and rear wheels. The front wheels register a weight of 5.05 x 103 N, while the rear wheels show 6.20 x 103 N, with a distance of 3.58 m between the wheels. The correct equations to use are x + y = 3.58 and 5.05x = 6.20y, where x is the distance from the front wheels to the center of mass and y is the distance from the center of mass to the rear wheels. The participants clarify their understanding of the problem and the formulas involved.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically center of mass
  • Familiarity with algebraic equations and solving systems of equations
  • Knowledge of weight measurement and its application in physics
  • Basic understanding of the relationship between forces and distances in static equilibrium
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  • Study the principles of static equilibrium in physics
  • Learn how to apply the concept of center of mass in various physical systems
  • Practice solving systems of equations with real-world applications
  • Explore the use of scales in measuring forces and their implications in physics problems
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of center of mass calculations.

kaylanp01
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Homework Statement


To determine the location of the center of mass of a car, the car is driven over a scale. When the front wheels are over the scale, the weight recorded by the scale is 5.05 x 103 N. When the rear wheels are over the scale, the scale reads 6.20 x 103 N. The distance between the front and rear wheels is 3.58 m. How far behind the front wheels is the center of mass located?


Homework Equations


Ahh I did it using that math that we used in lower level high school. haha. Thought I might get lucky.

I missed these classes in physics, so I'm trying to figure it out and have no idea where to start.


The Attempt at a Solution


I did:
x + y = 3.58
5050x + 6200y = 112500 (because the weight of the car is equal to the sum of the weight measured on the front wheel and the weight measured on the rear wheel).
Solved for x, subbed it in, got the wroong answer. aha.
 
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Maybe if you had thought of the see-saw?

Won't it be more like 5*x = 6.2(3.58 - x) ?
 
LowlyPion said:
Maybe if you had thought of the see-saw?

Won't it be more like 5*x = 6.2(3.58 - x) ?

Sorry...I'm not following. Where did the 5 come from?
 
OK. 5.05 if you prefer.
 
LowlyPion said:
OK. 5.05 if you prefer.

oooh. hahah sorry. its exam week, I'm feeling a bit slow. so your formulas are actually x + y = 3.58 and then 5x = 6y. I understand, thank you :).
 
kaylanp01 said:
oooh. hahah sorry. its exam week, I'm feeling a bit slow. so your formulas are actually x + y = 3.58 and then 5x = 6y. I understand, thank you :).

Basically, yes.

Where did your 6 come from then?

JK.

Cheers.
 
LowlyPion said:
Basically, yes.

Where did your 6 come from then?

JK.

Cheers.

hahah now now, be nice.
 

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