Where Is the Center of Mass for Three Aligned Meter Sticks?

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SUMMARY

The center of mass for three uniform meter sticks can be calculated using the formula for center of mass, which is (m1*y1 + m2*y2 + m3*y3) / (m1 + m2 + m3) for the y-coordinate and (m1*x1 + m2*x2 + m3*x3) / (m1 + m2 + m3) for the x-coordinate. Given that all sticks have equal mass (m), the center of mass simplifies to the average of their respective positions. The y-coordinate is determined by the midpoint of stick 1, while the x-coordinate is the average of the positions of sticks 2 and 3.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of center of mass calculations
  • Familiarity with uniform mass distribution
  • Basic knowledge of coordinate systems
  • Ability to perform arithmetic operations with fractions
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the center of mass for multiple objects in different configurations
  • Explore the implications of non-uniform mass distributions
  • Learn about the physical significance of center of mass in mechanics
  • Investigate the effects of varying mass on the center of mass location
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and center of mass concepts, as well as educators looking for practical examples to illustrate these principles.

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Homework Statement



Three uniform meter sticks, each of mass m, are placed on the floor as follows: stick 1 lies along the y-axis from y = 0.500 m to y = 1.50 m, stick 2 lies along the x-axis from x = 0.110 m to x = 1.11 m, stick 3 lies along the x-axis from x = 1.34 m to x = 2.34 m. Calculate the location of the center of mass of the meter sticks. Enter the x value first and then the y value.

Homework Equations



m1*y1+m2*y2.../m1+m2...

The Attempt at a Solution



this is the problem that i have to figure out. i know the equation for the center of gravity as being basically (m1y1+m2y2...)/m1+m2+... but since these are meter sticks and they all have the same weight yet take up more than one point on the system, i don't know where to go from here...can someone please help me?
 
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They are uniform sticks, so the center of mass is at the center of the stick.
 

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