Three masses are located in the x-y plane as follows: a mass of 6 kg is located at (0 m, 0 m), a mass of 4 kg is located at (3 m, 0 m), and a mass of 2 kg is located at (0 m, 3 m). Where is the center of mass of the system?
A) (1 m, 2 m)
B) (2 m, 1 m)
C) (1 m, 1 m)
D) (1 m, 0.5 m)
E) (0.5 m, 1 m)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the center of mass, we can use the formula: 
x_cm = (m1*x1 + m2*x2 + m3*x3)/(m1+m2+m3) 
y_cm = (m1*y1 + m2*y2 + m3*y3)/(m1+m2+m3) 
Plugging in the values given: 
x_cm = (6*0 + 4*3 + 2*0)/(6+4+2) = 1 
y_cm = (6*0 + 4*0 + 2*3)/(6+4+2) = 0.5 
Therefore, the center of mass is at (1 m, 0.5 m). The correct choice is D.

Three Masses Are Located in the X-Y Plane as Follows