What Are the Truths About the Center of Mass?

AI Thread Summary
The center of mass of an object is not restricted to round or symmetric shapes, as it can exist in irregular objects as well. It accurately represents the location of the object's total mass, and while it can be represented by any point in the object, it typically lies on the axis of symmetry if the object is symmetric. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about the center of mass, particularly regarding symmetry. Participants share their attempts to answer true or false statements related to the center of mass, correcting misunderstandings along the way. Understanding these truths is essential for solving related physics problems effectively.
sheri1987
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
Center of Mass --True and False

Homework Statement



The center of mass of an object...

1.True or False exists only if the object is round.
2. True False exists only if the object is symmetric.
3. True False can be used to represent the location of the object's total mass.
4. True False can be represented by any point in the object.
5. True False lies on the axis of symmetry if the object is symmetric.

Homework Equations



I basically used my knowledge to make an educated attempt at this problem, but I am still getting it wrong can you guide me to figuring it out.

The Attempt at a Solution



I put ...1) False, 2)True, 3)True, 4)False, 5)True
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why do you think 2) is true?
 
Yeah, I guess I thought too quickly on #2, I looked back on my notes and found out the object doesn't have to be symmetric. Thanks
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Center of mass and momentum- A question about systems
Replies
25
Views
1K
Calculate center of rotation of monocopter
Replies
17
Views
1K
What are the forces on the center of mass?
Replies
7
Views
3K
Finding the center of mass of a solid hemisphere
Replies
19
Views
3K
Finding the center of mass of a homogeneous object
Replies
6
Views
4K
The center of mass of a semicircular arc of non-negligible width
Replies
3
Views
2K
What are the steps for calculating the center of mass of this object?
Replies
9
Views
3K
Displacement of Center of Mass Problem
Replies
3
Views
3K
Inertial and Gravitational mass - Assertion Reason
Replies
14
Views
2K
Finding the POSITION of the center of mass
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top