Center of Mass coordinates Question

In summary, center of mass coordinates are the location of the center of mass of an object or system, calculated by taking the weighted average of all particle coordinates. They are important in physics for simplifying analysis and understanding motion and stability. Center of mass coordinates differ from center of gravity, which refers to the point where the force of gravity is acting. They can change due to changes in mass distribution or external forces.
  • #1
AJDangles
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Homework Statement



Four masses are connected by 17.4 cm long, massless, rigid rods. If massA=105.0 g, massB=231.0 g, massC=204.0 g, and massD=248.0 g, what are the coordinates of the center of mass if the origin is located at mass A?
See attached picture.

Homework Equations



Xc.m = [itex]\sum[/itex]Δm x

The Attempt at a Solution



Xc.m = (0*105)+(248*17.4)+(204*17.4)+(231*17.4)/788
=16.24

How do you find the x and y coordinates?
 
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Here is the picture.
 

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1. What are center of mass coordinates?

The center of mass coordinates refer to the location of the center of mass of an object or system. It is the point at which the mass of the object is evenly distributed in all directions, making it a useful reference point for analyzing the motion and stability of an object.

2. How are center of mass coordinates calculated?

The center of mass coordinates are calculated by taking the weighted average of the individual coordinates of all the particles that make up the object or system. This means that the coordinates of each particle are multiplied by its mass and then divided by the total mass of the object or system.

3. Why are center of mass coordinates important in physics?

Center of mass coordinates are important in physics because they allow us to simplify the analysis of complex systems by treating them as a single point. They also help us understand the motion of objects and the stability of systems, as well as predicting how they will behave under different conditions.

4. How do center of mass coordinates differ from center of gravity?

Center of mass coordinates and center of gravity are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. While center of mass refers to the point where the mass of an object is evenly distributed, center of gravity refers to the point where the force of gravity is acting on an object. These points may not always be at the same location, especially for irregularly shaped objects.

5. Can center of mass coordinates change?

Yes, center of mass coordinates can change if the distribution of mass within an object or system changes. For example, if a person moves their arms while standing, their center of mass coordinates will shift. Additionally, external forces such as gravity or collisions can also cause the center of mass coordinates to change.

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