Finding the Center of Mass of a Triangle

In summary, the problem involves a thin uniform wire bent to form a triangle ABC with two equal sides of length 5cm and a third side of length 6cm made from wire with twice the density. The question asks for the distance of the center of mass from point A. Using the equations for center of mass and uniform density, the x coordinate of the center of mass can be calculated as 12λ*lenght of rod BC/2, but the y coordinate requires further calculations and mathematical reasoning.
  • #1
Acemave
2
0

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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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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