Question:

The position of center of mass of three masses 2 kg, 3 kg and 15 kg placed with respect to mid point ($p$) of normal bisector, as shown in the figure is _________

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Define a coordinate system with point $p$ as origin. Calculate the altitude of the triangle to find the y-coordinates of the masses, and use the side lengths to find the x-coordinates.
Updated On: Apr 9, 2026
  • $(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}, 1.25)$
  • $(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}, 1.0)$
  • (0,0)
  • (1.25, 0)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To find the center of mass of the given system, we first need to establish a coordinate system centered at point $p$.

Step 1: Understand the geometry.
The masses are placed at the vertices of an isosceles triangle with side lengths of 10 m and a vertex angle of $120^\circ$ where the 15 kg mass is located. The "normal bisector" of the base is the altitude of this triangle. Point $p$ is the midpoint of this altitude.

Step 2: Calculate the dimensions of the triangle.
Let the altitude (from the $120^\circ$ vertex to the base) be $H$. In the right triangle formed by the altitude and a side:
The angle at the top is bisected, so it is $60^\circ$.
Altitude, $H = 10 \cos(60^\circ) = 10 \times 0.5 = 5$ m.
Half-base width, $W = 10 \sin(60^\circ) = 10 \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = 5\sqrt{3}$ m.

Step 3: Define coordinates relative to point $p(0,0)$.
Since $p$ is the midpoint of the altitude $H=5$ m, the top vertex is at $+2.5$ m on the y-axis and the base is at $-2.5$ m on the y-axis.
- Mass $m_1 = 2$ kg (left vertex): $x_1 = -5\sqrt{3}, y_1 = -2.5$
- Mass $m_2 = 3$ kg (right vertex): $x_2 = 5\sqrt{3}, y_2 = -2.5$
- Mass $m_3 = 15$ kg (top vertex): $x_3 = 0, y_3 = 2.5$

Step 4: Use the Center of Mass formula.
Total mass $M_{total} = 2 + 3 + 15 = 20$ kg.

$$X_{cm} = \frac{m_1x_1 + m_2x_2 + m_3x_3}{M_{total}} = \frac{2(-5\sqrt{3}) + 3(5\sqrt{3}) + 15(0)}{20}$$

$$X_{cm} = \frac{-10\sqrt{3} + 15\sqrt{3}}{20} = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{20} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}$$

$$Y_{cm} = \frac{m_1y_1 + m_2y_2 + m_3y_3}{M_{total}} = \frac{2(-2.5) + 3(-2.5) + 15(2.5)}{20}$$

$$Y_{cm} = \frac{-5 - 7.5 + 37.5}{20} = \frac{25}{20} = 1.25$$

The center of mass coordinates relative to point $p$ are $(\frac{\sqrt{3}}{4}, 1.25)$. This corresponds to option 1.
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