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Eoin asked in Science & MathematicsPhysics · 5 years ago

Physics problem?

John’s mass is 97.8 kg, and Barbara’s is 56.9 kg. He is standing on the x axis at xJ = +9.68 m, while she is standing on the x axis at xB = +2.96 m. They switch positions. How far and in which direction does their center of mass move as a result of the switch?

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    x_cm = Σ m*x / Σ m

    first position:

    x_cm = (97.8*9.68 + 56.9*2.96)kg·m / (97.8+56.9)kg = 7.21 m

    second position:

    x_cm' = (97.8*2.96 + 56.9*9.68)kg·m / (97.8+56.9)kg = 5.43 m

    The CM moves 1.78 m ◄

    toward the origin ◄ or "left" or "toward Barbara's initial location"

    Hope this helps!

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