What happens to the center of mass after a collision?

AI Thread Summary
The center of mass of an object remains stationary unless there is a change in mass distribution or shape. Before a collision, the center of mass can move if external forces act on the object. After a collision, the center of mass may shift if the object's shape changes temporarily or permanently. However, if the mass distribution remains unchanged, the center of mass will return to its original position. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analyzing motion in collisions.
exparrot
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Hi! I'm trying to understand the concept of the center of mass. I know the center of mass is the point within the object where it could be considered that the entire mass of the object lies, thus forces are going through this center, but how is it possible that the center of mass could move before a collision? Additionally, if it does do that, what happens to it after a collision? Does it go back to its original point? How does all that work out? Thanks in advance!
 
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the centre of mass of an object does not move unless the mass distribution of the object or it's shape changes. During a collision it could be possible for the object's shape to change temporarily or permanently, which could cause a change of the position of the centre of mass.
 

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