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The Center of Mass of Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide (SO_2) consists of two oxyge

ID: 1600436 • Letter: T

Question

The Center of Mass of Sulfur Dioxide Sulfur dioxide (SO_2) consists of two oxygen atoms (each of mass 16 u, where u, or the atomic mass unit, is defined by u = 1.66 times 10^-27 kg) and a single sulfur atom (of mass 32 u). The center-to-center distance between the sulfur atom and either of the oxygen atoms is 0.143 nm, and the angle formed by the three atoms is 120 degree, as shown in the figure (Figure 1). Find the x and y coordinates of the center of mass of this molecule. Express your answers using two significant figures separated by a comma.

Explanation / Answer

a)

here

x = 0.143 * 10^-9 * sin60

x = 0.124 nm

then

y = 0.143 * 10^-9 * cos60

y = 0.0715 nm

Xcm = 32 * 0 + 16 * -0.124 + 16 * 0.124 / (32 + 16 + 16 )

Xcm = 0

and

Ycm = 32 * 0 + 16 * 0.0715 + 16 * 0.0715 / (32 + 16 + 16)

Ycm = 2.288 / 64

Ycm = 0.0358 nm