Center of Mass and Linear Momentum

In summary, if you gradually increase the mass of particle 1, the center of mass of the two-particle system moves closer to particle 1.
  • #1
iAmKhanz
2
0
1.Two particles lie on an x axis, particle 1 at x = 1 m and particle 2 at x = 2 m. If you gradually increase the mass of particle 1, what happens to the center of mass of the two-particle system?

2.If an external force acts on a system of several objects, can the external force change the net momentum of the system?

Homework Equations


((m2)/(m1+m2))d

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure for the first question if it moves in the negative or positive direction of x or if it does not move at all..
 
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  • #2
I'm not sure for the first question if it moves in the negative or positive direction of x or if it does not move at all..
Just calculate the position for a small and a large mass of particle 1, and you will see what happens.
 
  • #3
Hi iAmKhanz

You should be able to work this out without doing any calculations.
Just think about what the centre of mass means
 
  • #4
i think i would think of the center of gravity of two objects on a teeter totter and use that to think of the the two objects one an x axis, . and which way the pivot point would have to move if one object increased its mass, . . don't take my word for it, its been a very long time since i was in school, . . but it also would seem that the center of mass and center of gravity if all objects were constant would be interchangable, . . If I am wrong, . hopefully someone will correct me. . . . maybe i also misunderstood the question
 
  • #5
question 2 i would then think of two round objects sitting on the teeter totter both on the same side with it at rest and at zero momentum, . . then your finger "External Force" pushing down on the high empty side and seeing if the system changes momentum, ... . again, . its been a long time, and I am not sure of all of the frame of reference as to your study, . if someone again will let me know if this is wrong or right i would appreciate it, .. not only for mfb's benefit, but also my own, . .thx
 

1. What is the definition of center of mass?

The center of mass is the average position of all the mass in a system. It is the point at which the system can be balanced without any external forces acting on it.

2. How is center of mass calculated?

The center of mass can be calculated by taking the sum of all the individual mass points multiplied by their respective positions, and then dividing by the total mass of the system.

3. What is the significance of center of mass in physics?

The center of mass is an important concept in physics because it helps us understand the motion and stability of objects and systems. It allows us to simplify complex systems and analyze their behavior.

4. Can the center of mass be located outside of an object?

Yes, the center of mass can be located outside of an object if the distribution of mass is not uniform. For example, a donut has its center of mass outside of its physical shape.

5. How is linear momentum related to center of mass?

Linear momentum is a measure of the motion of an object, and it is directly related to the center of mass. The total linear momentum of a system is equal to the mass of the system multiplied by the velocity of the center of mass.

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