Physics- center of mass problem ?

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the coordinates of mass m1 given the center of mass coordinates for an extended object. The user presents their calculations but seeks validation for their work. They use the center of mass formula, incorporating the masses and their respective coordinates. A participant advises the user to clarify the axis chosen for calculating moments and suggests posting unrelated questions as new topics. The thread emphasizes the importance of proper setup and clarity in physics problem-solving.
J.live
Messages
95
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The coordinates of the center of mass for the extended object shown in the figure are (L/4, −L/5). What are the coordinates of m1? (Assume m1 = 4 kg, m2 = 2 kg, and m3 = 3 kg. Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)

Here is the diagram : http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=33da26e&s=7[
Can someone check my work?

4(x,y) + 3(-L/4,-3L/10) + 2(-3L/4,-L/4) = 0

-( 4x,4y) +(-3L/4,9L/10) + (-3L/2,-L/2) = 0

-4x - 3L/4 - 3L/2 = 0

-4y + 9L/10 - L/2 = 0

-4x = 9L/4

-4y = 4L/10

x = -9L/16

y = -L/10

P.S. please let me know what errors I made, if any.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Help :/?
 
What axis have you chosen for calculating the moments of the masses? For the c.m. about the x axis, it's m1y1 + m2y2 + m3y3 = (m1 + m2 +m3) Y_c.m. , where the y1, y2, anmd y3 terms are the respective distances from the x axis, and Y_c.m. is given as -L/5.
 
two forces whose resultants is 100N perpendicular to each other,if one of them makes an angle of 60 degrees with the resultants,calculate its magnitude?
 
seansharpzy said:
two forces whose resultants is 100N perpendicular to each other,if one of them makes an angle of 60 degrees with the resultants,calculate its magnitude?
Sean, please post this as a new topic and show an attempt at a solution. Thanks.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
13K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K