Need help finding center of mass

In summary, the conversation discussed finding the center of mass for a solid formed by rotating a region bounded by a curve around the x-axis. The volume of the solid was given and the problem was to find the center of mass using the formula for centroid.
  • #1
_MNice_
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A solid is formed by rotating the region bounded by the curve y=e^(-6x/2) and the x-axis between x=0 and x=1 , around the -axis. The volume of this solid is (pi/6)(1-e^(-6)). Assuming the solid has constant density, find the center masses of x and y.


center of mass (x or y)= (integral(x*density*f(x)dx)/mass


I know I need to do something with the mass and the x=o,1, but I don't know how to do it. I know that density*volume=mass, so i think i have to do something with that. Maybe find the mass at x=0 and x=1 and then find the center of that, but I'm really not sure.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Are you not taking a Calculus course? Does your textbook not have a discurssion and formula for center of mass? You seem to be saying that you do not know anything at all about this. For one thing, single points do not have a "mass" only extended bodies do.

Strictly speaking, because this is purely a geometric problem and there is no "mass" or "density" function given, you are talking about the "centroid", not "center of mass".

The centroid of a solid figure, R, is [itex](x_0, y_0, z_0)[/itex] where
[tex]x_0= \frac{\int_R xdV}{\int_R dV}= \frac{\int_R xdV}{Volume}[/tex]
[tex]y_0= \frac{\int_R ydV}{\int_R dV}= \frac{\int_R ydV}{Volume}[/tex]
[tex]z_0= \frac{\int_R zdV}{\int_R dV}= \frac{\int_R zdV}{Volume}[/tex]
 

What is the center of mass?

The center of mass is a point in an object or system that behaves as if all the mass of the object or system were concentrated at that point. In other words, it is the point at which an object is perfectly balanced.

Why is finding the center of mass important?

Finding the center of mass is important in physics and engineering because it allows us to understand the motion and stability of an object or system. It is also useful in designing structures and machines.

How do you calculate the center of mass?

The center of mass can be calculated by finding the weighted average position of the individual masses that make up an object or system. This is typically done using mathematical equations and principles such as the center of mass formula or the principle of moments.

What factors affect the center of mass?

The center of mass is affected by the distribution of mass within an object or system. Objects with more mass towards one side will have a center of mass closer to that side. The shape and size of an object also play a role in determining its center of mass.

Can the center of mass be located outside an object?

Yes, the center of mass can be located outside an object. This typically occurs when an object has an irregular shape or when there are multiple objects that make up a system. In these cases, the center of mass may be located in empty space.

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