Center of Mass of Three Beads Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass for three beads positioned at the vertices of an equilateral triangle with a side length of 1.8 cm. The beads have masses of 150 g, 55 g, and 85 g, respectively. The equation for the horizontal position of the center of mass is defined as xcm = (m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3) / Mn, where Mn is the total mass. The discussion emphasizes the need for a similar equation for the vertical position and the importance of including proper brackets in the calculations.

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  • Basic knowledge of algebraic equations
  • Experience with two-dimensional geometry
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  • Study the implications of mass distribution in two-dimensional systems
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starJ9
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OP warned about not including an attempt at a solution

Homework Statement



Three beads are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side d = 1.8 cm. The first bead of mass m1 = 150 g is placed on the top vertex. The second bead of mass m2 = 55 g is placed on the left vertex. The third bead of mass m3 = 85 g is placed on the right vertex.

Write a symbolic equation for the horizontal position of the center of mass relative to the left vertex of the triangle.

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Homework Equations



xcm = m1x + m2x + m3x...+mnxn / Mn

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Hello star! Welcome to PF. :)
Good start, this equation. Since we are dealing with three masses, you can stop at 3. But we are also dealing with two dimensions, so we need something similar for the y coordinate. And I think I am missing some brackets -- at least if ##M_n = \Sigma_i m_i##

Furthermore, PF rules dictate that you show an actual attempt at solution (otherwise we would be in trouble with all teachers all over the place). No problem in your case: just fill in some numbers to see what you get !
 

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