Which of the following expressions gives the x-coordinate of the center of mass of…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics

Problem

Which of the following expressions gives the x-coordinate of the center of mass of three point masses

m_1

m_2

, and

m_3

located at positions

x_1

x_2

, and

x_3

along a straight line? (a)

\dfrac{m_1 x_1^2 + m_2 x_2^2 + m_3 x_3^2}{m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2 + m_3 x_3}

(b)

\dfrac{m_1x_1+m_2x_2+m_3x_3}{m_1+m_2+m_3}

(c)

\dfrac{x_1 + x_2 + x_3}{3}

(d)

\dfrac{m_1 x_1 + m_2 x_2 + m_3 x_3}{m_1 + m_2}