Finding the CM of a Bar of Variable Density

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the center of mass (CM) of a bar with variable density defined by the equation λ = λ₀ + 2ax. The user attempts to solve the problem by integrating the density over the length of the bar, resulting in expressions for mass and the x-coordinate of the center of mass. The calculations yield the total mass and the CM position, but the user expresses uncertainty about the complexity of the solution. Feedback from other participants confirms the math is correct, suggesting minor simplifications can be made. Overall, the approach and calculations are validated, leading to confidence in the solution.
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Homework Statement


We are given a bar, with length of d, and it's densitiy is given by this formula: \lambda=\lambda_{0}+2ax, where x is the distance from one side of the bar and a is a constant

Homework Equations


\lambda=\lambda_{0}+2ax
\vec{r}_{CM}=\frac{\sum\vec{r}_{i}\Delta m_{i}}{m}

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I figured, if I have infinitesimal parts of the bar, I should integrate it.
So, this is what I've come up with so far:

M=\int^{d}_{0}(\lambda_{0}+2ax)dx=\lambda_{0}x+ax^{2}|^{d}_{0}=\lambda_{0}d+ad^{2}

X_{cm}=\frac{1}{M}\int^{d}_{0}(\lambda_{0}x+2ax^{2})dx=\frac{1}{M}(\frac{\lambda_{0}x^{2}}{2}+\frac{2ax^{3}}{3})|^{d}_{0}=\frac{3\lambda_{0}d+4ad^{2}}{6(\lambda_{0}+ad)}
 
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Where is the question? Your formulas look ok.
 
Well, I was not sure of this because the solution looks very awful, and I had no one to verify this.
But if it seems OK to you, I guess it's correct then.
Thanks
 
Well the math works out correctly, although you can pull a 'd' out from the numerator to slightly simplify it a bit more. Unless you misread something, then everything looks correct.
 
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