Find the x Coordinate of the Center of Mass of 3 Chocolate Blocks

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the x coordinate of the center of mass for a system of three chocolate blocks, each with specified masses and coordinates. The original poster shares their attempts and results, indicating some confusion regarding their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the center of mass formula but expresses uncertainty about their calculations, noting discrepancies in their results. Other participants question the accuracy of the numbers used and suggest re-evaluating the calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the calculations, providing feedback on the original poster's approach. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations, and there is a shared exploration of the numerical results. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions having limited attempts left for their homework, which adds pressure to ensure accuracy in their calculations. There is also a reference to potential issues with calculator functionality.

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Homework Statement



Three odd-shaped blocks of chocolate have the following masses and center-of-mass coordinates:
(1) 0.310 kg, ( 0.200 m, 0.310 m);
(2) 0.410 kg, ( 0.110 m, -0.380 m);
(3) 0.200 kg, ( -0.280 m, 0.610 m).

Find the x coordinate of the center of mass of the system of three chocolate blocks.

The Attempt at a Solution



This is how I commenced,

I took (mass1*x1+mass2*x2+mass3*x3)/(m1+m2+m3) and got .051

this should be right but I got it wrong. I then redid the calculation and this time I got .05
not that much difference, I only got one try left, and don't think this is right because they are so close together.

I did the y the same way and got it right. :S

Please and thank you.
 
Last edited:
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Well, then you have put in the wrong numbers somewhere (I assume that even though you have written m3*x2, that should read m3*x3)
It is impossible for us to know how you clicked about on your calculator.

You should, at least, calculate the following:
\frac{0.310*0.200+0.410*0.110-0.2*0.28}{0.92}=\frac{0.062+0.0451-0.056}{0.92}=\frac{0.0457}{0.92}
which ought to be about what you've found already..
 
Last edited:
for some reason, either my calculator is wack, for the numerator I keep on getting

.062+.0451-.056 = .0511

for the denominator I get .92

.0511/.92 = .055543478

:cry:

edit: I tried it on windows, and I get .0511 too. :O
 
for your x i got .055543. try that and see if it works. I did it how you had it up there and that is what I got. I did this on my homework yesterday and got it right so it should be right. :)
 
yep, it's right thanks. I it just as it showed in the calculator this time without any rounding. :)

thank you princessfrost and arildno for your help.
 

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