Density and centre of mass problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the center of mass for a machine part consisting of two bars and a ball, focusing on the horizontal and vertical displacement when the vertical bar is rotated 90 degrees. Initial calculations by a user were incorrect due to misunderstanding the use of half-lengths for the bars and neglecting the ball's position. After clarification, the user recalculated the center of mass using the correct approach, leading to the accurate displacement values of Δx = 0.700m and Δy = 0.700m. Additionally, there was a reminder about forum etiquette regarding posting in old threads. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately applying formulas in physics problems.
Muffintoast
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Homework Statement



A machine part consists of a thin, uniform 4.00 kg (A) bar that is 1.50 m (X) long, hinged
perpendicular to a similar bar, placed vertically downward, of mass 3.00 kg (B) and length 1.80 m (Y).
The longer bar has a small but dense 2.00 kg (C) ball at one end (the ball can be considered as a
point mass). By what distance will the center of mass of this part move horizontally and vertically if
the vertical bar is pivoted 90° counterclockwise to make the entire part horizontal (8.51)?

Homework Equations


Centre of mass equation:
x(centre of mass) = Σm1+x1/Σm
y(centre of mass) = Σm2+y2/Σm

The Attempt at a Solution



So I tried finding the centre of mass before machine rotated, so the [mass of A x the (x) coordinate of A] + [mass of A x the (x) coordinate of B]/all masses together so [(4 x 1.4) + (4 x 0)]/(2 + 3 + 4) = 2/3

Then, [mass of B x the (y) coordinate of A] + [mass of B x the (y) coordinate of B]/all masses together so again, [(3 x 1/8) + (3 x 0)]/ ( 2 + 3 + 4) = 5.4/9

Then, I tried finding the centre of mass after the machine rotates so that the (y) coordinate of B becomes 0. We then know that y is 0, then to find x, it is [mass of A x (x) coordinate of A] + [mass of A x (x) coordinate of B]/ all the masses added together = [(4 x 1.5) + 94 x 1.800]/(2 + 3 + 0) = 1.4666

So to find the displacement, it is the centre of mass before the rotation - the centre of mass after the rotation = 2/3 - 1.46666 = 4/5 then, 5.4/9 - 0 = 5.4/9
So the answer is x(4/5), y(5.4/9)

This answer is completely wrong, I have the correct answer which is supposed to be Δx = 0.700m, Δy = 0.700m. Please tell me where I went wrong, this is my first week of uni and I'm just so confused. :(
 
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Hi Muffintoast! Welcome to PF! :wink:
Muffintoast said:

Homework Statement



A machine part consists of a thin, uniform 4.00 kg (A) bar that is 1.50 m (X) long, hinged
perpendicular to a similar bar, placed vertically downward, of mass 3.00 kg (B) and length 1.80 m (Y).
The longer bar has a small but dense 2.00 kg (C) ball at one end (the ball can be considered as a
point mass). By what distance will the center of mass of this part move horizontally and vertically if
the vertical bar is pivoted 90° counterclockwise to make the entire part horizontal (8.51)?

(so A is fixed, and B moves from vertical to horizontal)

I'm very confused …

I think you've use the full length instead of the half-length for the rods, and miseed out the ball.

Start again. :smile:
 
Okay, I'm going to start again but one question, why do you use half length instead of the full length? The formula that my lecturer gave us said to use the length of x (A) and y (B).
 
Muffintoast said:
Okay, I'm going to start again but one question, why do you use half length instead of the full length? The formula that my lecturer gave us said to use the length of x (A) and y (B).

What formula?
 
Hi Muffintoast! :smile:

(just got up :zzz:)
Muffintoast said:
… why do you use half length instead of the full length?(B).

For each large part of the total body, you must use the centre of mass of that part (times its mass) …

the centre of mass is in the middle, so you use half its length (instead of the whole distance as in eg a "point" part like the ball). :wink:
 
Ohh I see! To steamking, the formula that I posted on the original post. I asked my lecturer and she said that with this formula I use the half-length. I was not listening properly and I thought she said you use the full length. I'm doing all of this for the first time but I got the answer! Thanks everyone for the help!

So for the x coordinate I did, (4 x 0.75) + (3 x 1.5) + (2 x 1.5)/(4 + 3 + 2) = 10.5/9
For the y coordinate, (4 x 0) + (3 x -0.9) + (2 x -1.8)/(4 + 3 + 2) = -6.3/9

Then after the rotation, x = (4 x 0.75) + (3 x 2.40) + (2 x 3.30)/9 = 16.8/9
y = 0

The difference between the two is then Δx = 16.8 - 10.5/9 = 0.700m, Δy = 0 - - 6.3/9 = 0.700m! :D
 
Hey! Sorry for reviving this old thread, but I am doing this same question and am confused on the x-coordinate part.

For before the rotation, you did

x-cord: (4 x 0.75) + (3 x 1.5) + (2 x 1.5)/(4 + 3 + 2) = 10.5/9

However, shouldn't it be

x-cord: (4 x 0.75) + (3 x 0) + (2 x 0)/(4 + 3 + 2) = 3/9

instead since the 3 kg bar and the 2kg ball lie on (0,0) assuming the hinge is the origin?

UPDATE:
Oh I found out that his origin would probably be on the left hand on the bar, so there is nothing wrong with the answer. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
DaveTan:
PF doesn't like it when users necropost to old threads. The original posters to the thread may be long gone by the time you make your post, and you may be waiting for an answer in vain. :frown:

It's better to start a new thread if you have a question, and you can quote or refer to the older thread if you need to. :wink:
 
SteamKing said:
DaveTan:
PF doesn't like it when users necropost to old threads. The original posters to the thread may be long gone by the time you make your post, and you may be waiting for an answer in vain. :frown:

It's better to start a new thread if you have a question, and you can quote or refer to the older thread if you need to. :wink:

Oh no, I'm sorry! Won't do it again!
 
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