center of mass

Question

Particles A and B are located on the x-axis. The masses and positions of the particles are:

            mA = 12 grams            xA = 2
            mB= 8 grams              xB = 10

            What is the center of mass of this two-particle system?

a. 12.8
b. 5.2
c. 2.1
d. 6.7

Answer 1

Center of mass = (m₁x₁ + m₂x₂)/(m₁ + m₂)

 

                       = [(12)(2) + (8)(10)]/ (12 + 8) = 104/20 = 5.2