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tanzl
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Homework Statement
Consider a system of two particles, with masses m1 and m2. What is
the ratio of their kinetic energies, T1=T2, in the center-of-mass frame?
The Attempt at a Solution
I do not really understand the question because center of mass frame was not taught in my class. From wikipedia, "center of mass frame is defined as being the particular inertial frame in which the center of mass of a system of interest is at rest (has zero velocity)". What is that supposed to mean? For example, in a collision of two particles (A and B), the center of mass is refer to the center of mass of A or B?
From wikipedia also, "In this special inertial frame where the center of mass is at rest, the total linear momentum of the system is zero." Can anybody explain this? Thanks...