Finding the Center of Mass of a Triangle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the center of mass of triangle ABC formed by a thin uniform wire, where sides AB and AC each measure 5 cm, and side BC measures 6 cm with double the density of the other sides. The user successfully calculated the x-coordinate of the center of mass as 12λ * length of rod BC / 2 but struggled with the y-coordinate. The solution requires determining the (x,y) coordinates from point A, emphasizing the importance of symmetry and mathematical calculations for the y-coordinate.

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  • Understanding of center of mass calculations
  • Familiarity with uniform density formulas
  • Basic geometry of triangles
  • Ability to perform algebraic manipulations
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  • Study the application of symmetry in physics problems
  • Explore the concept of density and its impact on mass distribution
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Acemave
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Homework Statement


a thin uniform wire is bent to form two equal sides AB and AC of triangle ABC , where AB=AC=5cm . the third side BC , of length 6cm is made from uniform wire of twice the density of the first . the distance of centre of mass from A is ?

Homework Equations


x centre of mass = m1R1+m2r2/ sum of masses(where r= centre of mass of particle in sys.)λ=m/l ( where m= mass of object , l=length ) uniform density formula

The Attempt at a Solution


i was able to calculate the X c.o.m which is = 12λ*lenght of rod BC/2
but was unable to calculate its y coordinate ?
 
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Acemave said:

Homework Statement


a thin uniform wire is bent to form two equal sides AB and AC of triangle ABC , where AB=AC=5cm . the third side BC , of length 6cm is made from uniform wire of twice the density of the first . the distance of centre of mass from A is ?

Homework Equations


x centre of mass = m1R1+m2r2/ sum of masses(where r= centre of mass of particle in sys.)λ=m/l ( where m= mass of object , l=length ) uniform density formula

The Attempt at a Solution


i was able to calculate the X c.o.m which is = 12λ*lenght of rod BC/2
but was unable to calculate its y coordinate ?
I don't think that's the solution this problem is looking for.

Once the wire is formed into the triangle, you are supposed to calculate the (x,y) coordinates of the center of mass from point A.
 
Make a drawing. Mark on it the centre of mass of each rod. One of the co-ordinates (say x) is trivial by symmetry. The other (say distance y from point A) needs some maths.

Acemave said:
but was unable to calculate its y coordinate ?

Show your working (forum rules).
 

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