Position Vector of Center of Mass (2009) – Rankers Physics
Topic: Center of Mass , Momentum and Collision
Subtopic: Calculation of Center of Mass

Position Vector of Center of Mass (2009)

Two bodies of mass $1text{ kg}$ and $3text{ kg}$ have position vectors $\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}$ and $-3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}$, respectively. The center of mass of this system has a position vector:

(2009)

$2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}$
$-2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}$
$-\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}$
$-2\hat{i} + 2\hat{k}$

Solution:

Concept: Center of mass position vector formula. Formula: $\vec{r}_{cm} = \frac{m_1\vec{r}_1 + m_2\vec{r}_2}{m_1 + m_2}$. Solution: Substituting the given masses and position vectors yields $-2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}$.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *