Center of mass without calculus has basically only 1 formula?

In summary, the formula for finding the center of mass without using calculus is the sum of the products of mass and coordinates divided by the total mass of the system. It can be used for any shape or object, but may not be as accurate as using calculus. It can be applied in real-world scenarios, but has limitations such as only working for objects with a finite number of points and assuming a uniform mass distribution.
  • #1
Femme_physics
Gold Member
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1
So we're about to start learning the center of mass without calculus. I already know the formula= you consider each mass times the respective distance from a chosen distance, divided by the total mass. You do that for the X and Y in 2D.

Is that all I need for COM without calculus?
 
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  • #2
Yessum.
 
  • #3
Ah...thanks. That's pretty lame though if that's all there is to non-calculus COM... wonder if I should even bother to come to mechanics class tomorrow, but I will just in case.
 

Related to Center of mass without calculus has basically only 1 formula?

1. What is the formula for finding the center of mass without using calculus?

The formula for finding the center of mass without using calculus is simply the sum of the products of the mass of each point and its respective coordinates, divided by the total mass of the system. This can be written as: xcm = (m1x1 + m2x2 + ... + mnxn) / (m1 + m2 + ... + mn) for the x-coordinate, and ycm = (m1y1 + m2y2 + ... + mnyn) / (m1 + m2 + ... + mn) for the y-coordinate.

2. Can this formula be used for any shape or object?

Yes, this formula can be used for any shape or object as long as the mass and coordinates of each point are known. It is a general formula that applies to all objects, regardless of their size, shape, or orientation.

3. How accurate is this formula compared to using calculus?

This formula provides a rough estimate of the center of mass and is not as accurate as using calculus. However, for simple, symmetrical objects, the results will be very close to the actual center of mass calculated using calculus. For more complex and irregular shapes, the accuracy may vary.

4. Can this formula be applied in real-world scenarios?

Yes, this formula can be applied in real-world scenarios where the mass and coordinates of different points are known. It is commonly used in engineering, physics, and other fields to determine the center of mass of objects and systems.

5. Are there any limitations to using this formula?

One limitation of this formula is that it only works for objects with a finite number of points. It cannot be applied to continuous objects or those with an infinite number of points. Additionally, this formula assumes a uniform distribution of mass, so it may not be accurate for objects with non-uniform mass distribution.

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