What is the new distance between the man and the shore after he switched seats?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the new distance between a man and the shore after he switches seats in a boat. The initial distance from the shore is Dinit = 35 ft, with the man weighing Mman = 190 lbs and the boat weighing Mboat = 270 lbs. The center-of-mass equation used was Xcm = (X1*M1 + X2*M2) / (M1 + M2), but the initial calculation was incorrect. The correct approach was determined by the user after some confusion regarding the application of the equation.

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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of mass distribution in floating systems.

mrnastytime
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Homework Statement


A man decides to boat out on the lake for a relaxing day of fishing. At one point during the day, he finds himself facing the shore. He judges that he is a distance Dinit = 35 ft from the shore. The man has a mass of Mman = 190 lbs, and the boat a mass of Mboat = 270 lbs. The boat has two seats each located a distance x = 5 ft from the center of the boat.

Homework Equations


Where is the center-of-mass of the man-boat system relative to the shore?
Deciding that more fish are to be found closer to shore, the man switches to the other seat. Assume there is no friction between the boat and the water. After switching seats, the man realizes that the boat has moved farther from the shore.

What is the new distance between the man and the shore after he switched seats?

The Attempt at a Solution


Xcm=X1*M1+X2*M2/(M1+M2)
Xcm=35*190+(35-5)*270/(190+270)
This is not the correct answer. What equation am i suppose to use?
 
Last edited:
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nevermind i figured it out
 

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