If a system is subjected to a zero resultant external force, its centre of mass

Step-by-step solution

According to Newton's second law for a system of particles, the net external force is related to the acceleration of the centre of mass by the equation F _ ext = M a _ cm . Given that the resultant external force is zero ( F _ ext = 0 ), we get a _ cm = 0 . Therefore, the centre of mass must not accelerate. Since the acceleration is zero, the velocity of the centre of mass v _ cm remains constant. This constant velocity can be either zero or non-zero. If the initial velocity is non-zero, the centre of mass will con