What Are the Velocity Components of the Center of Mass?

AI Thread Summary
To find the velocity components of the center of mass (CM) for two bodies, first calculate the total momentum in each direction. 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 the momentum of Body A, while the y-component comes from Body B's momentum. By applying the equations of motion for each body and rearranging them, the velocity of the CM can be determined. Understanding the relationship between mass, velocity, and the center of mass is crucial for solving such problems.
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
 
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Thanks for the help. Your explanation made it very easy to comprehend. I appreciate it.
 

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