System of Particles and Rotational Motion · Class 11 · CBSE · Science Physics

The center of mass of a system of two particles of masses m1 and m2 is at the origin. If mass m1 is moved by a distance vec{d} towards the origin, by…

Practice question from System of Particles and Rotational Motion (Class 11 · CBSE · Science Physics), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.

medium · MCQ · Q-E9B5AD

The center of mass of a system of two particles of masses m1m_1 and m2m_2 is at the origin. If mass m1m_1 is moved by a distance d⃗\vec{d} towards the origin, by what distance must mass m2m_2 be moved so that the center of mass remains unchanged?

  1. A.(m1/m2)d⃗(m_1/m_2)\vec{d} away from the originCorrect answer
  2. B.(m1/m2)d⃗(m_1/m_2)\vec{d} towards the origin
  3. C.(m2/m1)d⃗(m_2/m_1)\vec{d} away from the origin
  4. D.zero

Solution

For the center of mass to remain unchanged, the total shift in position of the center of mass must be zero. That is, m1Δr⃗1+m2Δr⃗2=0m_1 \Delta \vec{r}_1 + m_2 \Delta \vec{r}_2 = 0. Given Δr⃗1=−d⃗\Delta \vec{r}_1 = -\vec{d} (moving towards the origin), we have m1(−d⃗)+m2(Δr⃗2)=0  ⟹  Δr⃗2=m1m2d⃗m_1(-\vec{d}) + m_2(\Delta \vec{r}_2) = 0 \implies \Delta \vec{r}_2 = \frac{m_1}{m_2}\vec{d}, which means m2m_2 must move away from the origin by this distance.

More from System of Particles and Rotational Motion

All of System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Practise more Physics

Sign up free for adaptive practice on this chapter, with instant feedback and hints on every question.

Start practising free

Free to start · No credit card needed