1. What is Center of Mass?

The center of mass (COM) is the average location of the mass of a system. For simple systems, it's the balance point where the system would be perfectly balanced if supported at that point.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the center of mass equation:

Where:

• \( mass \) — Mass of each object in the system (kg)
• \( position \) — Position of each object along the axis (meters)
• \( Total\ Mass \) — Sum of all masses in the system

Explanation: The equation calculates the weighted average of positions, where the weights are the masses at each position.

3. Importance of Center of Mass

Details: Understanding center of mass is crucial in physics, engineering, and biomechanics. It helps predict motion, stability, and balance of objects and systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter masses (in kg) and positions (in meters) as comma-separated values. The number of masses and positions must match. All values must be valid numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses kilograms for mass and meters for position, but any consistent units will work proportionally.

Q2: How does center of mass relate to stability?
A: Systems are more stable when their center of mass is lower and when their base of support is wider.

Q3: Can I calculate center of mass in 2D or 3D?
A: Yes, you would calculate COM separately for each dimension (x, y, z coordinates).

Q4: What if the masses are equal?
A: With equal masses, the COM becomes the simple average of the positions.

Q5: How is COM different from center of gravity?
A: They are the same when gravity is uniform, but differ in non-uniform gravitational fields.