Question

A small 1000-kg SUV has a wheelbase of 3.0 m. If 60% if its weight rests on the front wheels, how far behind the front wheels is the wagon’s center of mass?

a) 1.2 m
b) 1.8 m
c) 2.0 m
d) 2.4 m

Answer 1

The center of mass of the small SUV is located 1.8 meters behind the front wheels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The center of mass (CM) of the small SUV is found by considering the weight distribution on the front and rear wheels. Since 60% of the weight rests on the front wheels, we can deduce that 40% of the weight rests on the rear wheels. To find the distance behind the front wheels at which the center of mass is located, we can use the equation:

CM = (Front Weight x Front Wheelbase) / Total Weight

Plugging in the values, we have:

CM = (0.6 x 1000 kg x 3.0 m) / 1000 kg

CM = 1.8 m

Therefore, the center of mass of the small SUV is located 1.8 meters behind the front wheels.