The x and y coordinates in meters of the center of mass of the three-particle system shown below are:
A) 0, 0
B) 1.3 m, 1.7 m
C) 1.4 m, 1.9 m
D) 1.9 m, 2.5 m
E) 1.4 m, 2.5 m

Question

The x and y coordinates in meters of the center of mass of the three-particle system shown below are: 
A) 0, 0 
B) 1.3 m, 1.7 m 
C) 1.4 m, 1.9 m 
D) 1.9 m, 2.5 m 
E) 1.4 m, 2.5 m

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the center of mass, we need to use the formula:

x center of mass = (m1x1 + m2x2 + m3x3) / (m1 + m2 + m3)
y center of mass = (m1y1 + m2y2 + m3y3) / (m1 + m2 + m3)

Plugging in the given values:

x center of mass = ((3 kg)(1 m) + (4 kg)(2 m) + (5 kg)(2 m)) / (3 kg + 4 kg + 5 kg) = 1.4 m
y center of mass = ((3 kg)(3 m) + (4 kg)(2 m) + (5 kg)(3 m)) / (3 kg + 4 kg + 5 kg) = 1.9 m

Therefore, the answer is C) 1.4 m, 1.9 m.

The X and Y Coordinates in Meters of the Center