Question

Two particles of masses 1kg and 4kg are located at x=0 and x=5m. Find the position of the centre of mass​

Answer 1

we have to find the position of the centre of mass of two particles of masses 1 kg and 4 kg are located at x = 0 and x = 5 m.

solution : the positon of centre of mass is given by, $x_{cm}=\frac{m_1x_1+m_2x_2}{m_1+m_2}$

here, mass of first particle, m₁ = 1 kg

position of first particle, x₁ = 0

mass of 2nd particle, m₂ = 4 kg

postion of 2nd particle, x₂ = 5 m

   ∴ the position of the centre of mass, $x_{cm}$ = (1 × 0 + 4 × 5)/(1 + 4) = 4 m

hence, the position of the centre of mass of system of particles is (4,0) or, x = 4m