An apple and an orange are connected by a straw of negligible mass. If the centers of the fruits are $26 \mathrm{~cm}$ apart and the center of mass of the pair is $11 \mathrm{~cm}$ from the apple, what is the ratio of $\mathrm{m}_{\text {apple }}$ to $\mathrm{m}_{\text {orange }}$ ?
A) $26 / 11$
B) $15 / 11$
C) $15 / 26$
D) $26 / 15$
E) $11 / 15$
F) $11 / 26$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The center of mass formula gives $(m_{\text{apple}} \cdot 0 + m_{\text{orange}} \cdot 26) / (m_{\text{apple}} + m_{\text{orange}}) = 11$. Solving gives the ratio $m_{\text{apple}}/m_{\text{orange}} = 15/11$.

An Apple and an Orange Are Connected by a Straw 26 cm26 \mathrm{~cm}26 cm

An Apple and an Orange Are Connected by a Straw $26 \mathrm{~cm}$