Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCentre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
Imagine a system composed of two identical particles. One particle is stationary while the other possesses an acceleration a . The acceleration of the centre of mass is
Options
- A2 a
- Bzero
- C1 2 a
- Da
Correct answer
C. 1 2 a
Step-by-step solution
Let the mass of each identical particle be m . The acceleration of the first particle is a ₁ = 0 . The acceleration of the second particle is a ₂ = a . The acceleration of the centre of mass of the system is given by the formula: a _ cm = m₁ a ₁ + m₂ a ₂ m₁ + m₂ Substituting the values, we get: a _ cm = m(0) + m( a ) m + m a _ cm = m a 2m = 1 2 a