Chapter 8.3, Problem 43SSC

To determine

To identify: Whether the center of mass of an object can be located in an area where the object has no mass or not.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Centre of mass of an object is defined as the point at which the sum of weighted relative position of the distributed mass is zero. If the force is applied at this point, then only linear acceleration will be there. It is the mean location of a distribution of mass in space.

Yes, for the objects with irregular shape the center of mass is close to massive end. There are many objects whose center of mass is located in an area where object has no mass. The objects like donut and boomerang, donot have center of mass inside the body. In such cases, it lies at a point between the two wings.