Center of Mass Boat Problem

In summary, to find the distance of the dog from the shore after walking 8 meters in the boat, we need to use the center of mass equation and find the distance of the center of gravity of the boat from the shore. By setting up an equation and solving for x, we can determine that the dog is 13.9 meters away from the shore, slightly different from the given answer of 13.6 meters.
  • #1
VitaX
184
0

Homework Statement



A dog with mass 11 kg stands still in a boat with mass 45 kg. the dog is 20 meters from the shore. It then walks 8 meters in the boat towards the shore. how far is the dog from the hore aftter this?

Homework Equations



center of mass equation

The Attempt at a Solution



lets say the dog stands on the boats center of mass. the center of mass is then 0. Now the dog walks 8 meters 1 direction. then the center of mass of the boat has to travel he other direction for the total center of mass to stay the same. So:

11kg*8m+45kg*xm=0

This gives me that boat has traveled 1.95 meters in the opposite direction. So the dog has traveled (8-1.95) meters closer to the shore which gives me that the dog is 13.9 meters away from the shore. The blueprint says 13.6. I just want to know if its me or the blueprint who is wrong here
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi VitaX! :smile:
VitaX said:
… It then walks 8 meters in the boat towards the shore

lets say the dog stands on the boats center of mass. the center of mass is then 0. Now the dog walks 8 meters 1 direction. then the center of mass of the boat has to travel he other direction for the total center of mass to stay the same. So:

11kg*8m+45kg*xm=0

No, that's the formula for the dog walking 8 m relative to the water (or the shore), not relative to the boat.
 
  • #3
Find the center of mass of dog and boat with respect to the shore. Let d be the distance of the center of gravity of the boat from the shore.
When the dog moves 8 m towards the shore, boat moves x distance away from the shore to keep center of mass in the same position.
Now the distance of the dog and center of gravity of the boat from the shore is (12 + x) m and (d+x) m respectively.
Find the center of mass in this position with respect to the shore and equate it to the previous one. Then solve for x.
 

1. What is the "Center of Mass Boat Problem?"

The "Center of Mass Boat Problem" is a physics problem that involves determining the position of the center of mass of a boat floating in water. This problem is often used to demonstrate the concept of center of mass and how it affects the stability of an object.

2. How do you calculate the center of mass of a boat?

To calculate the center of mass of a boat, you need to know the mass and position of each individual component of the boat. You can then use the formula: (m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3 + ...)/total mass, where m is the mass of each component and x is its position relative to a chosen reference point. This will give you the coordinates of the center of mass.

3. Why is the center of mass important in the "Center of Mass Boat Problem?"

The center of mass is important in this problem because it affects the stability of the boat. If the center of mass is located above the waterline, the boat will be stable. However, if the center of mass is below the waterline, the boat will be unstable and may capsize.

4. What factors can affect the center of mass of a boat?

The center of mass of a boat can be affected by the distribution of weight on the boat. For example, adding or removing cargo, people, or equipment can change the location of the center of mass. The shape and design of the boat can also affect the center of mass.

5. How can the "Center of Mass Boat Problem" be applied in real life?

The "Center of Mass Boat Problem" has practical applications in fields such as naval architecture and boat design. It is also used in the construction of floating structures, such as oil rigs and offshore platforms, to ensure their stability. Additionally, understanding the concept of center of mass can help in understanding the stability of other objects, such as buildings and vehicles.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top