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Centre of Mass: Concepts and Calculations

The document discusses the concept of the center of mass (C.O.M), its dependence on the shape and mass distribution of bodies, and provides formulas for calculating it in various systems. It highlights that the position of the C.O.M can be affected by external forces and remains constant if no external force is applied. Additionally, the document includes examples and calculations related to the C.O.M for different shapes and mass configurations.

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amey82374
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6 views19 pages

Centre of Mass: Concepts and Calculations

The document discusses the concept of the center of mass (C.O.M), its dependence on the shape and mass distribution of bodies, and provides formulas for calculating it in various systems. It highlights that the position of the C.O.M can be affected by external forces and remains constant if no external force is applied. Additionally, the document includes examples and calculations related to the C.O.M for different shapes and mass configurations.

Uploaded by

amey82374
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Rotational motion

Centre of Mass
Centre of mass of a body or system is a point which moves such that all the mass is
concentrated there and all external forces are applied there.

Note
• The position of centre of mass depends upon the shape of the body and distribution of
mass
• In symmetrical bodies in which distribution of mass is homogeneous, the centre of mass
coincides with the geometrical centre of the body.
• Centre of mass may be inside or outside the body.
Position Vector of centre of mass
Important Points

1. If the origin is at the centre of mass, then the sum off the moments of the masses
of the system about the centre of mass is zero.
𝑚𝑖 𝑟𝑖 = 0

2. If C.O.M. does not shift its position then


𝑚1 𝑟1 = −𝑚2 𝑟2
Important Points

3. To find the centre of mass (Xcm) for a continuous system, we use the following
formula
𝑥𝑑𝑚
𝑥𝑐𝑚 = 𝑑𝑚 = 𝜆𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑚

4. Centre of mass is independent on frame of reference chosen to locate it.


COM for two Particle System

𝑚1 𝑑
𝑑1 =
𝑚1 +𝑚2

𝑚1 𝑑
𝑑2 =
𝑚1 +𝑚2
Position of Centre of Mass

BODY

1. Circular Ring or Disc

2. Hollow and Solid Sphare


Position of Centre of Mass

BODY

3. Square or Rectangle

4. Semicircular Ring
Position of Centre of Mass

BODY

5. Solid Hemisphare

6. Hollow Hemisphare
Position of Centre of Mass

BODY

7. Semicircular disc

8. Hollow Cone or Triangle


Position of Centre of Mass

BODY

9. Solid Cone

10. Circular Arc


Shift of com due to Removal of Mass
Shift in COM
Velocity of Centre of Mass

Note:
• Internal force can not change the velocity of the C.O.M 𝑉𝑐𝑚 .

• If external force is zero (Fext = 0) then the state of COM will not change.
[𝑉𝑐𝑚 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡]

• The motion of centre of mass is purely translational.


1. The position vector of three particles of mass 1 kg, 2 kg and 3 kg are 𝑟1 = 𝑖 + 4𝑗 + 𝑘 ,
𝑟2 = 𝑖 + 𝑗 + 𝑘 and 𝑟3 = 2𝑖 − 𝑗 − 2𝑘 respectively. Find the position vector of their COM.
2. Find the position of COM of the system of three masses 1 kg, 2kg and 3kg located at the
corners of an equilateral triangle of side 1 m as shown in fig.
3. If the linear density of a rod of length L varies as 𝜆 = 𝐴 + 𝐵𝑥, find the position of its
centre of mass.
4. A circular disc of radius R is removed from a bigger circular disc of radius 2R such that
the circumference of the discs touch. Find the new COM of the disc.
5. A body of mass m1 = 4 kg moves at 5𝑖 m/s, and another body of mass m2 = 2kg moves at
10𝑖 m/s. Find the K.E. of centre of mass.
6. In the given fig. Find the acceleration of the COM of the pair of blocks.

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