How Does Adding a Steamer Trunk Affect the Plane's Center of Gravity?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating how a 300-pound steamer trunk placed 250 inches behind the center of gravity of a partially loaded plane weighing 115,000 pounds affects the plane's center of gravity. The calculation shows that the center of gravity shifts approximately 0.65 inches toward the rear. Participants suggest simplifying the numerical result for clarity. Additionally, there is a request for assistance with a more complex center of gravity problem. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of precise calculations in aviation weight distribution.
mathguy2
Messages
16
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A partially loaded plane weighs 115,000 pounds. A famous actor's steamer trunk, weighing 300 pounds, is put into the rear cargo hold 250 inches behind the center of gravity. How much does this extra hold shift the center of gravity.

Homework Equations


W1 = W x (L2 / L)

W2 = W x (L1 / L)

W = 115300
W1 = 115000
W2 = 300
L = 250

The Attempt at a Solution


I did this:
W2 = W x (L1 / L)
so...
300 = 115300 x (L1 / 250)
so...
300 = 461.2L1
divide both sides by 461.2

L1 = .6504770165

The center of gravity of the plane shifts .6504770165 inches toward the rear. Your input is encouraged.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks good, but get rid of some of those figures after the decimal point, maybe just say 0.65 inches
 
Thank you for the input. Would you mind taking a look at the more advanced center of gravity problem I posted. It's really frustrating me at the moment.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Back
Top