SUMMARY
The center of mass (CM) of a two-particle system lies on the line segment joining the two particles, defined by their respective positions and masses. The formula for the CM is given by $$ \mathbf{r}_{ \text{cm}}= \frac{m_{1} \mathbf{r}_{1}+m_{2} \mathbf{r}_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}}.$$ By analyzing the linear combination of the positions $\mathbf{r}_{1}$ and $\mathbf{r}_{2}$, it is evident that as the parameter $t$ varies from 0 to 1, the resulting vector $\mathbf{r}$ traces the line segment between the two particles. Therefore, the CM must necessarily lie on this line segment.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of vector notation and operations
- Familiarity with the concept of center of mass
- Basic knowledge of linear combinations
- Proficiency in mathematical proofs, particularly proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of the center of mass for systems with more than two particles
- Explore the implications of center of mass in different coordinate systems
- Learn about the conservation of momentum in relation to center of mass
- Investigate applications of center of mass in physics, such as in rigid body dynamics
USEFUL FOR
Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of center of mass in multi-particle systems.