3121

Physics Rotational Mechanics Level: High School

Centre of Mass

In the ammonia (NH3) molecule , three hydrogen atoms form an equilateral triangle , with the center of the triangle at distance d = 9.40 x 10^-11 m from each hydrogen atom . Nitrogen atom is at the apex of a pyramid , with the three hydrogen atoms forming the base . The nitrogen to hydrogen atomic mass ratio is 13.9 , and the nitrogen to hydrogen distance is L = 10.14 x 10^-11 m . What are the x and y coordinates of the molecule’s center of mass ?