Center of Mass Finder – AP Physics 1

Learning Objectives

Calculate center of mass for a system of particles

Understand x_cm = Σ(mᵢxᵢ)/Σmᵢ formula

Predict how adding/removing mass shifts the CM

Relate CM to balance point of a system

Key Equations

x_cm = Σ(mᵢ·xᵢ) / Σmᵢ
y_cm = Σ(mᵢ·yᵢ) / Σmᵢ
M_total = Σmᵢ

How to Use

Click on the canvas to place masses. Drag masses to move them. Adjust each mass value in the right panel. The yellow ⊕ marker shows the center of mass in real time.