Two point masses 3 kg and 5 kg are at 4 m and 8 m from the origin on X-axis. Locate the position of center of mass of the two point masses (from the origin and (1) from 3 kg mass.

Explanation

To find center of mass from the origin. The point masses are at positions , `x_1 = 4 ` m, `x_2 = 8 ` m from the origin along x -axis.

The center of mass `X_(CM)` is located 6.5 m from
`x_(CM) = (m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2)/(m_1 + m_2) `
`x_(CM) = ((3xx4) + (5xx8))/(3+5)`
`x_(CM) = (12 + 40)/(8) = (52)/(8) = 6.5 m`