Question

A 1200-kg station wagon is moving along a straight highway at Another car, with mass 1800 kg and speed has its center of mass 40.0 m ahead of the center of mass of the station wagon (Fig. E8.54). (a) Find the position of the center of mass of the system consisting

Answer 1

Center of mass lies 24 m in front of center of mass of second wagon.

Step-by-step explanation:

Suppose A 1200 kg station wagon is moving along a straight highway at 12.0 m/s. Another car with mass 1800 kg and speed 20.0 m/s.

Given that,

Mass of first wagon = 1200 kg

Mass of second wagon = 180 kg

Distance = 40 m

We need to calculate the position of the center of mass of the system

Using formula of center mass

`x_(cm)=(m_(1)x_(1)+m_(2)x_(2))/(m_(1)+m_(2))`

`x_(cm)=(1200*0+1800*40)/(1200+1800)`

`x_(cm)=24\ m`

Hence, Center of mass lies 24 m in front of center of mass of second wagon.