Halliday, Resnick & Walker — Center of Mass and Linear Momentum: Problem 7

In the ammonia ($NH_3$) molecule of Fig. 9.18, three hydrogen (H) atoms form an equilateral triangle, with the center of the triangle at distance \(d = 9.40 \times 10^{-11} \text{ m}\) from each hydrogen atom. The nitrogen (N) 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 \(L = 10.14 \times 10^{-11} \text{ m}\). What are the (a) \(x\) and (b) \(y\) coordinates of the molecule’s center of mass?