Find the center of mass of an arc

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass of an arc shaped like the letter "B". One participant initially approached the problem by treating the arc as a semicircle, resulting in an approximate answer. However, another participant pointed out that this method neglects the mass of the upright line in "B", which significantly affects the accuracy of the center of mass calculation. The relevant equation used in the discussion is x_com = (m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2) / (m_1 + m_2), emphasizing the importance of considering all components of the shape.

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  • Ability to apply relevant equations for center of mass calculations
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Istiak
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Homework Statement
Find center of mass of a arc (letter B)
Relevant Equations
x_com = \frac{m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2}{m_1+m_2}
1625387927009.png


In my mind, I had cut half of B and, thought it's semi-circle. Then, I was trying to find Center of Mass by taking it as semi-circle. But, I get an answer which is approximately, close to main answer. Someone else had solved it another way

1625388180302.png
This way I can get the accurate answer. But, the picture is very blurry that's why I can't understand it. Why both answers aren't same? Is there any other way to calculate Center of Mass?
 
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Istiakshovon said:
Homework Statement:: Find center of mass of a arc (letter B)
Relevant Equations:: x_com = \frac{m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2}{m_1+m_2}

View attachment 285438

In my mind, I had cut half of B and, thought it's semi-circle. Then, I was trying to find Center of Mass by taking it as semi-circle. But, I get an answer which is approximately, close to main answer. Someone else had solved it another way

View attachment 285439This way I can get the accurate answer. But, the picture is very blurry that's why I can't understand it. Why both answers aren't same? Is there any other way to calculate Center of Mass?
Your solution seems to have ignored the mass of the upright line in "B".
 
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haruspex said:
Your solution seems to have ignored the mass of the upright line in "B".
Which solution? I had attached two pictures. One is done by me (my friend) and, another had done by another person in Internet..
 
Yes your solution (first picture in the OP) doesn't take into account the "base line" of "B", that is the segment that consists of the diameters of the two semicircles and has total length 4r.
 
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