Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsCentre of Mass, Linear momentum, Collision
A system of particles experiences a nonzero external force. At an instant t , the velocity and the acceleration of its centre of mass are observed to be v₀ and a₀ , respectively. Which of the following are possible?
Options
- Av₀ 0 , a₀ = 0
- Bv₀ 0 , a₀ 0
- Cv₀ = 0 , a₀ 0
- Dv₀ = 0 , a₀ = 0
Correct answer
C. v₀ = 0 , a₀ 0
Step-by-step solution
According to Newton's second law for a system of particles, the acceleration of the centre of mass is given by a _ cm = F _ ext M . Since the system experiences a nonzero external force ( F _ ext 0 ), the acceleration of the centre of mass must be nonzero. Thus, a₀ 0 . The velocity of the centre of mass, v₀ , depends on the initial conditions and the duration for which the force has been applied. It can be either zero (for example, if the system starts from rest or is momentarily at rest) or nonzero. Therefore, the