14.

2 Centre of Mass of Rods and Laminas

Methodology
We can use moments in finding the centre of mass of an object. All the weight of an object acts
through its centre of mass.

Investigation (1)
Example 14.4.0

Example 14.4
Find the distance, x̄, of the single force that represents all other forces from the point O.

葛峰 编著 -1- Compiled by Jason.Ge

 Conclusion (centre of mass of one-dimensional composite objects)

If an object is made up of n sections of masses m1, m 2, … , mn, each with its centre of mass on the
line and having coordinates x1, x 2, … , xn, then the centre of mass of the object has coordinate x̄
where
m x + m 2 x 2 + . . . + m n xn
x̄ = 1 1 and M = m1 + m 2 + . . . + mn.
M

Investigation (2)
Example 14.5.0

Conclusion (centre of mass of two-dimensional composite objects)

If an object is made up of n sections of masses m1, m 2, … , mn, each with its centre of mass in a
plane and are having coordinates (x1, y1), (x 2, y2 ), … ,(xn, yn ), then the centre of mass of the object
has coordinates (x̄, ȳ), where

m1 x1 + m 2 x 2 + . . . + mn xn m1y1 + m 2 y2 + . . . + mn yn
x̄ = , ȳ =
M M

and M = m1 + m 2 + . . . + mn.

葛峰 编著 -2- Compiled by Jason.Ge

Example 14.5
A rectangular framework, ABCD, is made of four light rods. There are masses on the rods at the
given points.

In each case, determine the coordinates of the centre of mass. Use AB and AD as your axes, with A
as your origin.
(a) 2 kg at A, 4 kg at B, 7 kg at C, 2.5 kg at D;
1
(b) 5 kg at the midpoint of AD, 6 kg at B, 4 kg at E, where CE = CB;
3
3
(c) 6 kg at A, 3 kg at the midpoint of AB, 8 kg at B, 10 kg at point F, where DF = DC.
5

Knowledge (centre of mass of special shapes)

Formula 1 (centre of mass of triangular lamina)

( )
x1 + x 2 + x3 y1 + y2 + y3
The centre of mass of any triangular lamina is given by , , where the
3 3
three vertices of the triangle are at (x1, y1), (x 2, y2 ), (x3, y3).
2
Or the centre of mass is along median from vertex.
3

葛峰 编著 -3- Compiled by Jason.Ge

 Example 14.6
For each case, work out the centre of mass of the triangle, stating your point of reference.

Formula 2 (centre of mass of uniform circular arc)

Centre of mass of uniform circular arc with radius r and angle 2 :
r sin α
x̄ = from centre
α

Notes
• must be in radians!!!
• This formula can be used for any circular arc.

Special cases
2r
For a semicircle, x̄ = .
π
2 2r
For a quarter circle, x̄ = .
π

葛峰 编著 -4- Compiled by Jason.Ge

 Formula 3 (centre of mass of uniform circular sector)

Centre of mass of uniform sector lamina with radius r and angle 2 :
2r sin α
x̄ = from centre
3α

Notes
• must be in radians!!!
• This formula can be used for any circular arc.

Example 14.7
Determine the centre of mass from the centre O of a sector of radius r with angle:
π
(a) (b) π
2

Application (centre of mass of composite objects)

Example 14.8.0

葛峰 编著 -5- Compiled by Jason.Ge

𝛼

Example 14.8
For each composite shape, determine the centre of mass relative to the axes shown.

Example 14.9.0 (Finding centre of mass by subtraction)

葛峰 编著 -6- Compiled by Jason.Ge

Example 14.9 (Finding centre of mass by subtraction)

The diagram shows a large circular-shaped lamina that is constructed by removing smaller circular
areas from a circle of radius 15 cm.
The circle centered at the point A(−6,7) has radius 4 cm, the circle centered at B(10,3) has radius 2
cm, and the circle centered at C(−3, − 6) has radius 5 cm. Relative to the point O, find the centre
of mass of the lamina. You may assume the lamina is uniform.

葛峰 编著 -7- Compiled by Jason.Ge

 Example 14.10 (Finding centre of mass by subtraction)

The letter P is constructed using a uniform straight piece of wire of length 4a joined to another
piece of uniform wire that is bent into a semicircle of radius a. Given that the semicircular piece of
wire is three times as dense as the straight wire, find the position of the centre of mass G (x̄, ȳ)
relative to the point O.

Extra example
p.336, Ex 14B, Q7, 8

葛峰 编著 -8- Compiled by Jason.Ge