Using the description,Write a symbolic equation for the location of the center of mass of the three beads relative to the left end of the rod, in terms of the variables given in the problem .

Question

Three beads are placed along a thin rod. The first bead, of mass m1 = 29 g, is placed a distance d1 = 1.5 cm from the left end of the rod. The second bead, of mass m2 = 12 g, is placed a distance d2 = 1.9 cm to the right of the first bead. The third bead, of mass m3 = 51 g, is placed a distance d3 = 4.9 cm to the right of the second bead. Assume an x-axis that points to the right.

Answer 1

To find the center of mass, you take the sum of the m_ix_i and divide by total mass (the sum of the m_i)

(29 * 1.5 + 12 (1.5+1.9) + 51(1.5+1.9+4.9))/(29+12+51) = x_COM