KVPY2011PhysicsCenter of Mass, Momentum and Collision
A narrow but tall cabin is falling freely near the earth's surface. Inside the cabin, two small stones A and B are released from rest (relative to the cabin). Initially A is much above the centre of mass and B much below the centre of mass of the cabin. A close observation of the motion of A and B will reveal that -
Options
- Aboth A and B continue to be exactly at rest relative to the cabin
- BA moves slowly upward and B moves slowly downward relative to the cabin
- Cboth A and B fall to the bottom of the cabin with constant acceleration due to gravity
- DA and B move slightly towards each other vertically
Correct answer
B. A moves slowly upward and B moves slowly downward relative to the cabin
Step-by-step solution
a_ B >a_ C >a_ A a_ B =g a _ / C M = a _ - a _ C M ( ) a _ B / C M = a _ B - a _ C M ( )