Understanding Momentum and Moment of Area Concepts | Explained by Experts

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The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the momentum of a system's center of mass compared to the sum of the individual momentums of its components. Participants note that discrepancies in calculations may arise from errors in applying the concepts. The first and second moments of area are also mentioned, with a request for clarification on their definitions and applications. One user shares a specific homework problem that led to different answers, prompting further inquiry into the correct methodology. Understanding the relationship between center of mass momentum and individual momentums is crucial for accurate calculations in physics.
Red_CCF
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Hi

I was wondering if anyone could explain why the momentum of the center of mass of a system is different than the sum of the independent momentums of every object.

I also don't understand the concepts of the first and second moment of area. I would appreciate it if someone explained it to me.

Thanks for any help that you can provide
 
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Red_CCF said:
I was wondering if anyone could explain why the momentum of the center of mass of a system is different than the sum of the independent momentums of every object.
Why do you think it's different?
 
Doc Al said:
Why do you think it's different?

Because on a question for my homework, which asked for linear momentum of the system, I got two different answers when i did the momentum of each separately than doing the momentum of the center of mass.
 
Red_CCF said:
Because on a question for my homework, which asked for linear momentum of the system, I got two different answers when i did the momentum of each separately than doing the momentum of the center of mass.
I'd have to see the details, but I suspect you made an error.
 
Doc Al said:
I'd have to see the details, but I suspect you made an error.

If they are indeed the same then I probably did. I'll try to work out what I did wrong. Thanks.
 
Red_CCF said:
If they are indeed the same then I probably did. I'll try to work out what I did wrong. Thanks.

I think I figured out what I did but I don't really understand why. I did the change in position of the center of mass, divided it by the time interval, and multiplied the result by the total mass of the system and I got a very off answer. Can anyone explain why I can't do it this way? Thanks
 
Red_CCF said:
I think I figured out what I did but I don't really understand why. I did the change in position of the center of mass, divided it by the time interval, and multiplied the result by the total mass of the system and I got a very off answer. Can anyone explain why I can't do it this way? Thanks
You can do it that way. In order to find out where you went wrong, please describe the actual problem.
 

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