How Do You Calculate the Mass of a Student on a Plank Using Scale Readings?

In summary, to determine the location of the center of mass, a physics student lies on a lightweight plank supported by two scales and measures the normal forces on each scale. By finding the center of mass to be 1.161 m, the student can calculate their total mass by adding the two masses from the scales. The weight distribution between the scales is determined by the location of the center of mass, which can be found using moments.
  • #1
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To determine the location of his center of mass, a physics student lies on a lightweight plank supported by two scales L = 3.90 m apart.
http://forums.cramster.com/answer-board/image/b34f433113a2369128cc61ed29304ffd.jpg
If the left scale reads 250 N, and the right scale reads 106 N, find the student's mass.
Since the student is at rest, I know the scales read normal force = mg, and I found the center of mass to be 1.161 m. I found the masses from the two scales, but do I just add them together as the student's mass because subtracting the two masses and just using the left scale's mass aren't correct. Any hints are appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.
 
  • #3
The mass of the student and lightweight board provide a downward force as a result of gravity. The scales support that force in equilibrium, so the force (indicated by weight) upward must balance the force downward.

To the sum of the scales is the gives indicates the total weight, from which one calculates total mass.

How the weight is distributed between the scales is determined by where the CM lies between the two scales. The closer a scale is to the the CM, the more weight it would bear. This distribution of weight can be found by using the moments, which one has presumably done.
 

1. What is the center of mass problem?

The center of mass problem is a physics concept that involves finding the point at which an object's mass is evenly distributed in all directions. It is also known as the balance point or centroid.

2. How is the center of mass calculated?

The center of mass can be calculated by dividing the sum of the products of each part's mass and its distance from a reference point by the total mass of the object. This can be expressed in the equation: xcm = ∑(mixi) / mtotal, where xcm is the center of mass, mi is the mass of each part, and xi is the distance of each part from the reference point.

3. Why is the center of mass important?

The center of mass is important because it helps us understand how an object will behave when subjected to external forces. It is also useful in determining the stability and balance of an object, which is crucial in fields such as engineering, architecture, and sports.

4. Can the center of mass be outside of an object?

Yes, the center of mass can be outside of an object. This can happen in asymmetrical objects or when the mass is not evenly distributed. In such cases, the center of mass will still behave as if it is the balance point of the object, even if it is not physically located within the object.

5. How does the center of mass change when an object is in motion?

The center of mass of an object does not change when the object is in motion, as long as the external forces acting on the object do not change. This is known as the principle of inertia. However, the position of the center of mass can change if the object's mass distribution changes, such as when an object is deformed or has parts added or removed.

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