Two particles of equal mass have velocities v₁ = 2î ms⁻¹ and v₂ = 2ĵ ms⁻¹. First particle has an acceleration a₁ = (3î + 3ĵ) ms⁻² while the acceleration of the other particle is zero. The centre of ma

Question

Two particles of equal mass have velocities v₁ = 2î ms⁻¹ and v₂ = 2ĵ ms⁻¹. First particle has an acceleration a₁ = (3î + 3ĵ) ms⁻² while the acceleration of the other particle is zero. The centre of mass of the two particles moves in a:

Accepted Answer

Answer: straight line — Velocity of COM = (v₁ + v₂)/2 = (î + ĵ) m/s and acceleration of COM = (a₁ + a₂)/2 = (3/2)(î + ĵ) m/s². Since acceleration is parallel to velocity, COM moves in a straight line

Practice Physics Exams