Question

A small 1200 kg SUV with a wheelbase of 3.2 m has 65% of its weight on the front wheels. How far behind the front wheels is the wagon's center of mass?

a) 0.96 m
b) 1.12 m
c) 1.28 m
d) 1.44 m

Answer 1

The wagon's center of mass is located 1.12 m behind the front wheels.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the distance behind the front wheels where the wagon's center of mass is located, we can use the weight distribution and the wheelbase of the SUV. Since 65% of the weight is on the front wheels, 35% (100% - 65%) will be on the rear wheels. We can calculate this weight as follows:

Rear Weight = 0.35 * Total Weight

The center of mass is located between the points where the normal reaction forces act, so let's assume it is a distance x from the point where the rear wheels exert their normal reaction force. We can set up an equation using the weight distribution:

0.35 * Total Weight * Wheelbase = 0.65 * Total Weight * (Wheelbase - x)

Simplifying the equation, we get:

x = 0.35 * Wheelbase

Plugging in the values, we have:

x = 0.35 * 3.2 m
x = 1.12 m

Therefore, the wagon's center of mass is located 1.12 m behind the front wheels.