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 Question Center of Mass Problem ( Physics Help and Math Help - Physics Forums Introductory Physics )Updated: 2008-05-03 08:10:10 (9)
 Center of Mass Problem 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Consider a system of two blocks that have masses m_1 and m_2. Assume that the blocks are point-like particles and are located along the x axis at the coordinates x_1 and x_2. In this problem, the blocks can only move along the x axis. Find the x coordinate of the center of mass of the system. 2. Relevant equations The solution is ( , but I cannot for the life of me understand why this is exactly. Why multiply the mass by the x-coordinate of its location? 3. The attempt at a solution
 Answers: Center of Mass Problem ( Physics Help and Math Help - Physics Forums Introductory Physics )
 Center of Mass Problem What is the general formula / definition of center of mass ? malawi_glenn
 Center of Mass Problem Are you questioning the definition of center of mass? Maybe this brief discussion will help: Center of Mass Doc Al
 Center of Mass Problem Center of mass: The point that represents the "average" position of the entire mass of a system. sweatband
Center of Mass Problem

 Originally Posted by sweatband Center of mass: The point that represents the "average" position of the entire mass of a system.
well hmm yes and no, i meant: formulate it with an expression.
See the link that Doc Al posted.

malawi_glenn

 Center of Mass Problem What I don't understand is the algebra of arriving at that equation, and thanks for that link, Doc Al, I'm looking over it now sweatband
Center of Mass Problem

 Originally Posted by sweatband What I don't understand is the algebra of arriving at that equation, and thanks for that link, Doc Al, I'm looking over it now

Well the thing is that the definition is purley mathametical, and trying to explain it in words are just secondary. The definition of center of mass is the formulas that is posted on that link.

malawi_glenn

 Center of Mass Problem Awsome, the link answers my all my questions, thanks guys! sweatband
Center of Mass Problem

 Originally Posted by sweatband Awsome, the link answers my all my questions, thanks guys!
great that we could help you. But dont you own a book for the course? This is standard mechancs #1 :P

malawi_glenn

Center of Mass Problem

 Originally Posted by sweatband Center of mass: The point that represents the "average" position of the entire mass of a system.
You can think of it (loosely) as the weighted average position of the mass in a system. Not just the average. A part of the system with twice the mass (as some other part) gets counted twice (compared to that other part).

Doc Al

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