What is the center of mass of a lamina with variable density?

In summary, the problem involves finding the center of mass for a lamina occupying a part of a disk in the first quadrant, with density proportional to the square of its distance from the origin. The suggested approach is to use the formula M r_{cm} = \int r_m dm and to note that the center of mass should be located along the \theta = \pi/2 line due to the density only depending on the radius. The suggested method is to choose a small element at (r, \theta) and proceed.
  • #1
tandoorichicken
245
0
Any hints on how to approach this problem?

A lamina occupies the part of the disk [itex]x^2 + y^2 <= 1[/itex] in the first quadrant. Find the center of mass if the density at any point is proportional to the square of its distance from the origin
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
And just for future reference, how do you do inequalities in latex?
 
  • #3
[tex] \leq {and} \geq [/tex] the code reference file is found by clicking on the code and then clicking the link
 
  • #4
I don't know what responses you got for your earlier thread. I could not find it. Any way, use the following to find the CM.

[tex] M r_{cm} = \int r_m dm[/tex]

Since the density depends only on the radius, CM should be along the [itex]\theta = \pi/2 [/itex] line.

Choose a small element at [itex](r, \theta )[/itex] and proceed.
 

What is Dbl. int. - center of mass?

Dbl. int. - center of mass stands for double integral center of mass. It is a mathematical concept used to determine the average position of mass in a system.

How is the center of mass calculated using double integration?

The center of mass can be calculated using double integration by finding the weighted average of the position of each individual particle in the system. This is done by taking the double integral of the position of each particle multiplied by its corresponding mass.

Why is the center of mass important in physics?

The center of mass is important in physics because it helps us understand the motion and stability of objects. It can also be used to calculate the total momentum and angular momentum of a system.

What is the difference between center of mass and center of gravity?

The center of mass refers to the average position of mass in a system, while the center of gravity refers to the point at which the weight of an object is concentrated. They are often used interchangeably, but the center of gravity takes into account the effects of gravity on the object.

Can the center of mass be located outside of an object?

Yes, the center of mass can be located outside of an object. This can happen if the distribution of mass within the object is uneven. The center of mass can also be located outside of an object if external forces are acting on it, such as gravity or friction.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
32
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
575
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
922
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
731
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
2K
Back
Top