What Are the Velocity Components of the Center of Mass?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity components of the center of mass (CM) for two bodies with given masses and velocities. Body A, with a mass of 4 kg, moves at 15 m/s in the +x-direction, while Body B, with a mass of 5 kg, moves at 8 m/s in the -y-direction. The x-component of the CM's velocity is derived from Body A's motion, while the y-component is influenced solely by Body B's motion. The solution involves applying the equation of motion for each body and rearranging it to find the CM's velocity components.

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  • Understanding of center of mass (CM) concepts
  • Basic knowledge of vector components and motion equations
  • Familiarity with mass and velocity calculations
  • Ability to perform algebraic rearrangements in physics equations
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wolly6973
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I am having a tough time with this one...
Body A of mass 4 kg is moving in the +x-direction with a speed of 15 m/s. Body B of mass 5 kg is moving in the -y-direction with a speed of 8 m/s. What are the x- and y-components of the velocity of the center of mass of the two bodies?
How do I relate CM and velocity?
 
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wolly6973 said:
I am having a tough time with this one...
Body A of mass 4 kg is moving in the +x-direction with a speed of 15 m/s. Body B of mass 5 kg is moving in the -y-direction with a speed of 8 m/s. What are the x- and y-components of the velocity of the center of mass of the two bodies?
How do I relate CM and velocity?
I assume you know how to calculate the center of mass if given the masses and positions of two objects. In this problem the objects are moving with constant velocity, so the positions will be changing with time. Write the equation of motion for each object, and use the position expressions in the CM equation. With a little rearrangement, you will have the equation of motion for the CM
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help. Your explanation made it very easy to comprehend. I appreciate it.
 

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