How Do You Calculate the Center of Mass of a Human Leg?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of the center of mass for a human leg, modeled as 92.0 cm long with equal upper and lower leg lengths, involves using the formula xcm = (maxa + mbxb) / (ma + mb). For a 70.0 kg person, the upper leg mass is 8.60 kg and the lower leg mass is 5.30 kg. The initial calculation of xcm = 40.5 cm was deemed incorrect, prompting further inquiry into the use of significant figures in the answer.

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  • Familiarity with basic physics equations
  • Knowledge of significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Basic understanding of human anatomy related to limb proportions
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flip290
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Homework Statement


To keep the calculations fairly simple, but still reasonable, we shall model a human leg that is 92.0cm long (measured from the hip joint) by assuming that the upper leg and the lower leg (which includes the foot) have equal lengths and that each of them is uniform. For a 70.0kg person, the mass of the upper leg would be 8.60kg , while that of the lower leg (including the foot) would be 5.30kg .
Find the -coordinate of the center of mass of this leg, relative to the hip joint, if it is stretched out horizontally.


Homework Equations


xcm= (maxa +mbxb)/(ma+ mb)


The Attempt at a Solution


xcm= ((8.6*23) + (5.3*69))/ (13.9)=40.5cm

However, this has come back as incorrect. Where do I go from here?
 
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hi flip290! :smile:
flip290 said:
xcm= ((8.6*23) + (5.3*69))/ (13.9)=40.5cm

looks ok to me :confused:

have you tried two significant figures?​
 

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