In: Physics
a) Four masses are placed on the x-axis so that the center of gravity is at x = 0. A 1kg mass is placed at x = 1m, a 2kg mass is placed at x = 2m, a 3kg mass is placed at x = 3m, and lastly an unknown mass m4 is placed at x = −4m. What is the value of the unknown mass?
b) If the unknown mass is doubled, what is the new x-coordinate of the center of mass?
c) A non-uniform ladder of length L leans against a frictionless wall. The coef- ficient of static friction between the ladder and the ground is μs. When the angle between the ladder and the ground is θ, the ladder is on the verge of slipping. Find an expression, in terms of the above quantities for the distance d of the center of gravity from the bottom end of the ladder, which has mass M.