Finding the Center of Mass in a Divided Square

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the new center of mass for a modified square with side length "a", which is divided into four equal squares, each with side length "a/2". A circle with radius "a/4" is cut from the top right corner, along with the corner piece. The participants conclude that the center of mass can be simplified by considering the symmetrical properties of the remaining shape, ultimately leading to the use of the x_bar and y_bar formulas for precise calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry and area calculations
  • Familiarity with center of mass concepts
  • Knowledge of symmetrical properties in shapes
  • Proficiency in using x_bar and y_bar formulas for mass distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of center of mass in composite shapes
  • Learn about the application of x_bar and y_bar in calculating centroids
  • Explore symmetrical properties in geometry for simplifying calculations
  • Investigate the effects of removing sections from geometric figures on their center of mass
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Students in physics and engineering, mathematicians, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of center of mass in complex geometric shapes.

cmrgator
Imagine a square with side length "a". Now, divide the square into 4 equal squares with side length "a/2". In the top righthand corner of the large square, a circle with radius "a/4" is cut out, which also removes the top corner piece. What is the new center of mass? (The origin is at the center of the large square). Thanks for your help!
 
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Here is an easy way to think about it.

Cut the circle out of the remaining 3 quarters of the large square, now you have a symmetrical shape about both x and y axis. The center of mass is the center, so we can now ignore this part.

Now what is the center of mass of the 3 circles?
 
Sorry, I don't see how that helps because of the cut out corner piece.
Anyway, even with the corner piece, I wouldn't know what to do.
 
Oops, I missed the part about the corner cut out...


I guess its back to x_bar y_bar in the first place then...

Well, it could still be done the way I was suggesting, don't know if its any easier though...but the point was to take out all area symmetrical about both axis, to simplify the problem.
 
Last edited:

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