A system consists of three small spheres on a straight

MATHEMATICS · Subjective · IB Diploma Programme · Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches · Geometry and Trigonometry · Geometry and Trigonometry

Problem

A system consists of three small spheres on a straight, frictionless line:

m_1=1.0\,\text{kg}

x=0\,\text{m}

m_2=2.0\,\text{kg}

x=3.0\,\text{m}

, and

m_3=1.0\,\text{kg}

x=6.0\,\text{m}

. The sphere at

x=6.0\,\text{m}

is suddenly removed without any external horizontal forces. Determine the new

x

-coordinate of the center of mass of the remaining system.