A center of mass determined triangle: Find the angles of the triangle P_1P_2P_3

In summary, a center of mass determined triangle is a balanced triangle where the center of mass is located at the intersection of the three medians. The angles of the triangle can vary but will be the same as the angles formed by the medians at their point of intersection. To find the angles, you can use properties of medians, the Pythagorean theorem, and trigonometric functions. This type of triangle is important in understanding stability and weight distribution in objects and systems, especially in fields such as engineering and physics.
  • #1
lfdahl
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Masses $m, 2m$ and $\sqrt{3}m$ are located at points $P_1, P_2$ and $P_3$ on a circle $C$
so that their center of mass coincides with the center of $C$.
Find the angles of the triangle $P_1P_2P_3$.
 
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  • #2
Here´s the suggested solution:

Let $C$ be the unit circle of the $xy$-plane, with mass $m$ at the point $(1; 0)$.

If \[\angle P_1OP_2 = \alpha, \: \: \: \angle P_1OP_3 = \beta\] – then\[m\cdot 0+2m\sin \alpha +\sqrt{3}m\sin \beta = 0\: \: \: \: (1). \\ m\cdot 1 +2m\cos \alpha +\sqrt{3}m\cos \beta = 0\: \: \: \: (2).\]From $(1)$: \[\frac{\sin \alpha }{\sin \beta }= -\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{3}\]substitute in $(2)$ and obtain\[1 + 2 \cos \alpha +\sqrt{3}\sqrt{1-\frac{4}{3}\sin^2\alpha } = 0,\]whence\[\cos \alpha = -\frac{1}{2}, \: \: \alpha = 120^{\circ}.\]so that\[\sin \beta = -1, \: \: \beta = 270^{\circ}.\]Thus, the angles of $\bigtriangleup P_1P_2P_3$ are: $45^{\circ}, 60^{\circ}, 75^{\circ}$.
 

FAQ: A center of mass determined triangle: Find the angles of the triangle P_1P_2P_3

What is a center of mass determined triangle?

A center of mass determined triangle is a type of triangle where the three points, P1, P2, and P3, are positioned in a way that the center of mass of the triangle is located at the intersection of the three medians. This means that the triangle is balanced and the weight is evenly distributed among the three points.

How is the center of mass of a triangle determined?

The center of mass of a triangle can be determined by finding the intersection of the three medians. A median is a line segment that connects one vertex of the triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side. The point where all three medians intersect is the center of mass of the triangle.

What are the angles of a center of mass determined triangle?

The angles of a center of mass determined triangle can vary depending on the specific measurements of the triangle. However, since the center of mass is located at the intersection of the three medians, the angles of the triangle will be the same as the angles formed by the medians at their point of intersection.

How can I find the angles of a center of mass determined triangle?

To find the angles of a center of mass determined triangle, you can use the properties of medians and the center of mass. You can also use the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometric functions to solve for the angles.

Why is a center of mass determined triangle important?

A center of mass determined triangle is important because it represents a balanced and stable structure. It can also be used in various mathematical and scientific applications, such as in engineering and physics, to determine the stability and distribution of weight in different objects and systems.

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