The distance between a silicon atom (m=28.0u) and an oxygen atom (m=16.0u) in th

Question

The distance between a silicon atom (m=28.0u) and an oxygen atom (m=16.0u) in the SiO molecule is 1.66E-11m. How far from the silicon atom is the center of mass of the molecule.
I tried the COM=(1/total mass)(m1x1+m2x2)...but I'm pretty sure I'm using the wrong equation The distance between a silicon atom (m=28.0u) and an oxygen atom (m=16.0u) in the SiO molecule is 1.66E-11m. How far from the silicon atom is the center of mass of the molecule.
I tried the COM=(1/total mass)(m1x1+m2x2)...but I'm pretty sure I'm using the wrong equation
I tried the COM=(1/total mass)(m1x1+m2x2)...but I'm pretty sure I'm using the wrong equation

Explanation / Answer

Take the origin at the silicon atom. The center of mass of the SiO molecule lies along the line joining of the atoms of the molcule.

Thus, the location of the center of mass of molecule is,

                        Xcm = [mSi xSi+ mOxO] / [mSi + mO]

                                 = [(28.0 u)(0) + (16.0 u)(1.66x10-11 m)] / [28.0 u + 16.0 u]

                                 = 6.036x10-12 m

                                 = 6.04x10-12 m

The silicon atom is loated at a distance of 6.04x10-12 m from the center of mass of the molecule.

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