Center of Mass and Mass Calculation

In summary, the problem involves finding the center of mass using triple integrals and the given function δ(x,y,z) = 2 + xy - 2z. After setting up the triple integral and applying the limits for x, y, and z, the mass was found to be 3. However, when trying to find the x coordinate of the center of mass, a mistake in algebra resulted in an incorrect answer of 1.667. After realizing the mistake, the correct answer was found to be 3/2, within the limits of 0 and 1.
  • #1
nysnacc
184
3

Homework Statement


upload_2016-9-18_10-53-47.png


Homework Equations


triple integrals, center of mass

The Attempt at a Solution


I set up the triple integral

x: lower limit 0 upper limit 1
y: lower limit 0 upper limit 2
z: lower limit 0 upper limit 1

∫∫∫ δ(x,y,z) dx dy dz
=> applied the limits for x, y and z, and δ(x,y,z) = 2 +xy -2z (given)

I got mass is equal to 1.

Then I tiried to find x bar (x coordinate of center of mass)
set up this way: ∫∫∫ (x * δ(x,y,z) dx) dz dy divide by Mass (Mass = 1 from previous result)

and got x bar = 1.667, which does not make sense, because 0≤ x ≤1 how come it is outside the x limits, or what was the mistake?
 
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  • #2
How are we to know what your mistake is without you showing us your work? Probably a mistake in algebra or integration.
 
  • #3
Here's your integral, formatted using LaTeX. Click on it to see what I wrote.
$$\int_{z = 0}^1 \int_{y = 0}^2 \int_{x = 0}^1 2 + xy - 2z \ dx \ dy \ dz$$
 
  • #6
nysnacc said:
∫∫∫ δ(x,y,z) dx dy dz
=> applied the limits for x, y and z, and δ(x,y,z) = 2 +xy -2z (given)

I got mass is equal to 1.
It is wrong. Check your work.
 
  • Like
Likes nysnacc
  • #7
ehild said:
It is wrong. Check your work.

Realized the problem, should be 3, algebraic mistake :P
 
  • #8
Thanks
 

FAQ: Center of Mass and Mass Calculation

1. What is the difference between center of mass and mass?

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter an object contains, while center of mass is the point where an object's mass is evenly distributed in all directions.

2. How is the center of mass calculated?

The center of mass can be calculated by finding the weighted average of an object's position, taking into account the mass and position of each individual part of the object.

3. Does the center of mass always lie within the object?

No, the center of mass can lie outside of the object if the mass distribution is uneven. For example, a crescent-shaped object will have its center of mass outside of its physical boundaries.

4. How does the center of mass affect an object's stability?

The lower an object's center of mass is, the more stable it will be. This is because the lower the center of mass, the less likely the object is to topple over due to external forces.

5. Can the center of mass of an object change?

Yes, the center of mass can change if the mass distribution of the object changes. For example, if an object loses or gains mass on one side, its center of mass will shift accordingly.

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