1. Tardigrade
  2. Question
  3. Physics
  4. Assertion: :: If there are no external forces, the centre of mass of a double star moves like a free particle. Reason: : If we go to the centre of mass frame, then we find that the two stars are moving in a circle about the centre of mass, which is at rest.

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Q. Assertion : :: If there are no external forces, the centre of mass of a double star moves like a free particle.
Reason : : If we go to the centre of mass frame, then we find that the two stars are moving in a circle about the centre of mass, which is at rest.

System of Particles and Rotational Motion

Solution:

In our frame of reference, the trajectories of the stars are a combination of
(i) uniform motion in a straight line of the centre of mass and
(ii) circular orbits of the stars about the centre of mass.