How Do You Calculate the Center of Mass for Multiple Objects?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the center of mass for three connected objects with given masses and coordinates in a two-dimensional space. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the appropriate method for finding the center of gravity, particularly when dealing with three objects instead of two.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to sum equations related to the center of mass and suggest breaking down the calculations into x and y components. There is mention of finding similar examples online to aid understanding.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the approach to take, including referencing online resources. The original poster has attempted calculations for the center of mass in both x and y directions, although there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of these calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the objects are connected by massless rods, which may influence the calculation method. There is also an indication of uncertainty regarding the formulas applicable for three objects as opposed to two.

Shadow_C316
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Three balls with masses of 5 g, 1 g, and 7 g,
respectively, are connected by massless rods.
The balls are located (in meter intervals) as
in the figure.

Imagine the first quadrant of a graph.
The 5 gram is at point (3,8)
The 7 gram is at point (5,2)
The 1 gram is at point (9,6)

What do do to find the center of gravity? I've looked online and I only see formulas for 2 objects instead of 3 so I'm stuck. Forgot to say they are all connected by massless rods.
 
Last edited:
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the sum of the equations...
 
Sum of what equations?
 
the sum of the center mass equation... and you got to break it down into y and x... there is an similar example online, i'll look it up for you
 
Thanks so much! Would the answer be:

In the X direction
((5x3) + (7x5) + (1x9))/13=4.54

In the Y direction
((5x8) + (7x2) + (1x6))/13=4.6
 

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