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student34
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Take a uniform density bar in space for example. Would the center of mass move if the bar was struck at the very tip perpendicularly by some weight?
If so, please explain.
If so, please explain.
student34 said:Take a uniform density bar in space for example. Would the center of mass move if the bar was struck at the very tip perpendicularly by some weight?
If so, please explain.
mafagafo said:It depends. If the bar only acquires angular momentum, its center of mass will not move¹². But in any realistic situation, linear momentum will be acquired in this collision and the center of mass will be displaced.
¹] I am assuming the a center of mass is initially at rest.
²] If the bar was not of uniform density, the center of mass could have its position changed even by angular momentum alone.
Note that I am no physics adept.
nasu said:Is this a homework problem?
What do you think? Is there a force on the bar during collision? What happens when a force acts on the bar?
You may need to revise what you think you "know".student34 said:no
I am not sure, but I do know that the further away from the center of mass the force is the less acceleration the center of mass would have.
nasu said:You may need to revise what you think you "know".
For example here:
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mechanics/n2ext.html
The acceleration of the center of mass does not depend on the torque of the external force in respect to the center of mass.
The center of mass is the point at which the mass of an object is evenly distributed, or the point where the object would balance if suspended.
The center of mass can be determined by finding the average position of all the mass in the object, taking into account the distribution and density of the mass.
Yes, the center of mass can change position if the distribution or amount of mass in an object changes. This can happen if the object is deformed, if mass is added or removed, or if the object is in motion.
The center of mass can change position due to changes in the object's shape, mass, or position. External forces acting on the object can also cause the center of mass to shift.
The center of mass is important because it can help predict an object's motion and stability. It is also a key concept in understanding rotational motion and can be used to determine the stability of structures.