Two particles of masses m1 and m2 ( with m1m2 ), initially at rest, move towards each other under an inverse square law force of attraction. Choose the correct statement about the center of mass (CM)

Question

Two particles of masses m1 and m2 ( with m1>m2 ), initially at rest, move towards each other under an inverse square law force of attraction. Choose the correct statement about the center of mass (CM) (A) the CM moves towards m1  (B) the CM moves towards m2  (C) the CM remains at rest (D) the motion of the CM is accelerated

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

: The centre of mass of the system of two objects remains unchanged in the absence of external forces.

Q. Two particles of masses $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ ( with $m_{1} > m_{2}$ ), initially at rest, move towards each other under an inverse square law force of attraction. Choose the correct statement about the center of mass (CM)

the CM moves towards $m_{1}$

the CM moves towards $m_{2}$

the CM remains at rest

the motion of the CM is accelerated

: The centre of mass of the system of two objects remains unchanged in the absence of external forces.

Q. Two particles of masses m1​ and m2​ ( with m1​>m2​ ), initially at rest, move towards each other under an inverse square law force of attraction. Choose the correct statement about the center of mass (CM)

the CM moves towards m1​

the CM moves towards m2​

the CM remains at rest

the motion of the CM is accelerated

: The centre of mass of the system of two objects remains unchanged in the absence of external forces.

Q. Two particles of masses $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$ ( with $m_{1} > m_{2}$ ), initially at rest, move towards each other under an inverse square law force of attraction. Choose the correct statement about the center of mass (CM)

the CM moves towards $m_{1}$

the CM moves towards $m_{2}$