Physics- center of mass problem ?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the coordinates of mass m1 based on the given center of mass coordinates for a system of three masses. The original poster provides specific mass values and coordinates, along with an equation setup to find m1's coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for the coordinates of m1 using a system of equations derived from the center of mass formula. Some participants question the choice of axes for calculating moments and suggest verifying the setup of the equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's work and raising questions about the assumptions made in the calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the original poster's approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided a diagram link, which may be relevant for understanding the problem setup, but it is not included in the discussion. There is also a note about needing to check for errors in the calculations.

J.live
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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.
 
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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.
 

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