Lesson: Center of Gravity of Particles Mathematics

In this lesson, we will learn how to find the position of the center of gravity of a set of particles arranged in a two-dimensional plane.

Lesson Plan

Students will be able to

find the center of gravity of a set of particles on a line or in a two-dimensional plane,
find the position of a particle given the center of gravity of the system,
solve related problems involving finding the positions and masses of particles in a system.

Lesson Presentation

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

In the given figure, three weights of magnitudes 2 N, 5 N and 3 N are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side length 8 cm.

Find the center of gravity of the system.

Q2:

Three particles are placed on a line. Particle of mass 4 kg is located at the origin, particle of mass 6 kg at , and particle of mass 10 kg at . Determine the coordinates of the center of mass of the three particles.

Q3:

Four particles of masses 9 kg, 10 kg, 4 kg, and 7 kg are placed on the -axis at the points , , , and respectively. What is the position of the center of mass of the four particles?