Calculating Velocity of Center of Mass: Exploring an Example with Given Masses

In summary, the conversation discusses the first example of a car and truck with no mass given, where the speaker has solved for the velocity of the centre of mass. The question is raised if there are any alternative ways to solve for this velocity and it is clarified that the speaker defined it to be 4m/s in his example. It is noted that the masses or at least the ratio of the masses have to be determined later. The conversation ends with the acknowledgement that the speaker is referring to a calculation done in a previous lecture and that the masses were given in that example.
  • #1
gracy
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ImageM35.gif

But in this lecture

First example of car and truck no mass is given but he has solved for velocity of centre of mass.
How?Is there any other alternative way to solve for velocity of centre of mass.
 
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  • #2
He just defined it to be 4m/s (it is his example, he can do that), where the masses or at least the ratio of the masses have to be determined later.
 
  • #3
Oh! thanks.
 
  • #4
gracy said:
First example of car and truck no mass is given but he has solved for velocity of centre of mass.
How?Is there any other alternative way to solve for velocity of centre of mass.
Looks to me like he's referring to a calculation done in a previous lecture. He's just reviewing the calculation, not doing it here.
 
  • #5
He is referring explicitly (around 4:20) to an example discussed previously. So the masses were given, I suppose.
 

FAQ: Calculating Velocity of Center of Mass: Exploring an Example with Given Masses

What is the velocity of the centre of mass?

The velocity of the centre of mass is the measure of how fast the centre of mass of an object or system is moving in a specific direction. It is usually represented by the symbol v and is measured in units of distance per time (e.g. meters per second).

How is the velocity of the centre of mass calculated?

The velocity of the centre of mass can be calculated by dividing the total momentum of the system by the total mass of the system. This can be represented by the equation v = p/m, where v is the velocity, p is the momentum, and m is the mass.

Why is the velocity of the centre of mass important?

The velocity of the centre of mass is important because it helps us understand the overall motion of an object or system. It can also be used to predict the future position and motion of the object or system.

How does the velocity of the centre of mass change in a closed system?

In a closed system, the velocity of the centre of mass remains constant unless an external force is applied. This is known as the law of conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant.

What factors can affect the velocity of the centre of mass?

The velocity of the centre of mass can be affected by factors such as the mass and velocity of individual objects within the system, as well as external forces acting on the system. Any changes in these factors can cause a change in the overall velocity of the centre of mass.

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