Question

Billy-Bob (m = 120 kg) sits at one end of a 4 m long boat, also with a mass of 120 kg, that has its CM at its geometric center. He staggers to the other end of the boat to fetch some more refreshment. Where is the CM of B-B and the boat? Neglect the mass of the moonshine. A. 1 m towards B-B's end. B. 1 m towards the opposite end. C. 2 m towards B-B's end. D. 2 m towards the opposite end.

Answer 1

The answer is option B, 1m towards the opposite end of where B-B initially sat down. Setting the geometric center of the boat to be the reference, the center of mass CM = (120 x 0 + 120 x 2)/(120 + 120) = 1m to the opposite end of where B-B initially sat down.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is so because each time there is a movement on the boat. The load it carries redistributes across the length of the boat. Hence, the center of mass is 1m towards the end of where B-B is currently( that is the end initially opposite it). It is my pleasure answering this question. I hope you do find this useful. Thank you very much.