Find the center of mass of an arc

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the center of mass of an arc shaped like the letter "B". Participants are exploring different methods to calculate the center of mass and are comparing their results.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the center of mass by treating the arc as a semi-circle and are questioning the validity of their approaches. There are discussions about the inclusion of the mass of the upright line in the letter "B" and how it affects the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into their methods and questioning the assumptions made in each other's solutions. There is a recognition of differing approaches and results, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the visual representation of the problem is unclear, which may be contributing to the confusion regarding the calculations. The relevance of the mass of different segments of the shape is also under scrutiny.

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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