Chapter

12
Centre of Mass
Centre of mass (COM) m1 z1 + m2 z2 + m3 z3 + ...... + mn zn
Every physical system can be associated with a certain point zCOM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ........ + mn
whose motion characterises the motion of the whole system.
This point is called centre of mass (COM) of the system. Here co-ordinates of particles are (x1, y1, z1),
( x2 , y2 , z2 ),( x3 , y3 , z3 ).......( xn , yn , zn ) respectively.
Position of centre of mass    
z System of two particles
¾ If r1 , r 2 , r 3 , ......... r n are position vectors of particles

of masses m1 , m2 , m3 ,.......mn respectively, then

position vector of COM is given by
   
 m1 r1 + m2 r 2 + m3 r 3 + ....... + mn r n
r COM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ..... + mn
COM z Position of COM of continuous bodies
m1 x1 + m2 x2 Consider an element of mass dm,
xCOM = whose coordinates are ( x, y, z ) .
m1 + m2
z System of many particles Then
¾ If all the particles (with masses m1, m2, m3…. mn) lie on
xCOM =
∫ x dm = ∫ x dm ,
same line (say X-axis) then
m1 x1 + m2 x2 + m3 x3 + ..... + mn xn ∫ dm M
xCOM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ..... + mn
yCOM =
∫ y dm = ∫ y dm , zCOM =
∫ z dm = ∫ z dm
¾ If all the particles lie on a plane (say X-Y plane) then
position of centre of mass is (xCOM, yCOM), where
∫ dm M ∫ dm M
Here M is the total mass of the body.
m1 x1 + m2 x2 + m3 x3 + ..... + mn xn  
xCOM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ...... + mn
and 
Also, r COM =
∫ r dm ∫ r dm
=
yCOM =
m1 y1 + m2 y2 + m3 y3 + ...... + mn yn ∫ dm M
m1 + m2 + m3 + ...... + mn COM of some regular bodies
z COM of a uniform rectangular, square or circular plate
Here positions of particles are (x1, y1), (x2, y2),
(x3, y3)......(xn, yn) respectively. lies at the centre, for a triangle, it lies at the centroid.

¾ If all the particles lie in space then position of centre

of mass is ( xCOM , yCOM , zCOM ), where
m1 x1 + m2 x2 + m3 x3 + ...... + mn xn
xCOM = ,
m1 + m2 + m3 + ...... + mn
m1 y1 + m2 y2 + m3 y3 + ...... + mn yn
yCOM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ..... + mn
12.2  Physics

z Centre of mass of a uniform semicircular ring lies at a

2R
distance of h = from its centre, on the axis of
π
symmetry, where R is the radius of ring.

z The COM of a solid tetrahedron (and a solid pyramid) lies

1
z Centre of mass of a uniform semicircular disc of radius R at a distance of h from base. [h = height of solid
4
4R tetrahedron / pyramid)
lies at a distance h = from the centre on the axis of
3π z The COM of a hollow (without base) tetrahedron (and a
symmetry. 1
pyramid) lies at a distance of h from base. (h = height
3
of hollow test tetrahedron / pyramid)

COM of 2-dimensional body

z Centre of mass of a hemispherical shell of radius R lies at In the case of laminate type bodies (i.e., 2-dimensional bodies),
R the formulas for finding out position of COM are:
a distance of h = from its centre on the axis of
2 A1 x1 + A2 x2 + A3 x3 + ....... + An xn
symmetry. xCOM =
A1 + A2 + A3 + ....... + An
z

A1 y1 + A2 y2 + A3 y3 + ....... + An yn
yCOM =
A1 + A2 + A3 + ..... + An
Centre of mass of a solid hemisphere of radius R lies at a A1 z1 + A2 z2 + A3 z3 + ........ + An zn
zCOM =
z
3R A1 + A2 + A3 + .... + An
distance of h = from its centre on the axis of
8    
symmetry.  A1 r1 + A2 r 2 + A3 r 3 + ....... + An r n
r COM =
A1 + A2 + A3 + ....... + An
z

COM of a residual body

If some mass (m) or area (A) is removed from a rigid body, then
z Centre of mass of a right circular cone of height H lies at the position of COM of the remaining portion is obtained from
3H the following formula.
a distance of h = from the centre of base on the axis m1 x1 − m2 x2 A x − A2 x2
4 xCOM = ; xCOM = 1 1
m1 − m2 A1 − A2
z
of symmetry.
m1 y1 − m2 y2 A y − A2 y2
yCOM = ; yCOM = 1 1
m1 − m2 A1 − A2
m1 z1 − m2 z2 A z − A2 z2
zCOM = ; zCOM = 1 1
m1 − m2 A1 − A2
The COM of an arc subtending an angle 2θ at the centre    
z  m1 r1 − m2 r 2  A1 r1 − A2 r 2
Rsin θ z r COM = ; r COM =
lies at a distance of from the centre on the line of m1 − m2 A1 − A2
θ 
symmetry. Here, m1 , A1 , x1 , y1 , z1 and r1 are the values for the whole

mass (before removal), while m2 , A2 , x2 , y2 , z2 and r 2
are the values for the removed portion.

Motion of COM
   
 m v + m2 v 2 + m3 v3 + ......... + mn v n
z vCOM = 1 1
m1 + m2 + m3 + ..... + mn
The COM of a sector subtending an angle 2θ at the centre     
p COM = p1 + p 2 + p 3 + ..... + p n
z
2 Rsin θ z
lies at a distance of from the centre on the line    
3 θ  m1 a1 + m2 a 2 + m3 a 3 + ....... + mn a n
of symmetry. z a COM =
m1 + m2 + m3 + ..... + mn
 Centre of Mass  12.3


z If the body was originally at rest, the COM will continue  Σmi r i
to be at rest. i.e., r COM = …(i)
Σmi
z If before the change, the body was moving with constant
velocity, COM will continue to move with same constant The location of the centre of gravity of the system, depends
however upon the moment of the gravitational force acting on
velocity.
each particle of the system.
z In the presence of an external force if body was moving
Hence, if gi is the acceleration vector due to gravity of a particle
with constant acceleration in a particular trajectory, the 
COM will continue to move in the same trajectory with Pi, the position vector r G of the centre of gravity of the system
the same acceleration as if it had never experienced any is given by
   
breaking or explosion, provided there is no change in r G × Σmi g i = Σ(r i × mi g i ) …(ii)
external force. It is only when the system is in a uniform gravitational field,
If a projectile explodes in air, the path of the COM remains where the acceleration due to gravity (g) is the same for all
unchanged. In the figure, path of COM is ABC, even though particles, equation (ii) becomes
different parts travel in different directions due to explosion. 
 Σmi r i 
r G = = r COM
Σmi
If, however the gravitational field is not uniform and gi is not
constant then, in general, equation (ii) cannot be simplified and
 
r G ↑ r COM .
Centre of mass and centre of gravity
The position of COM of a system depends only upon the mass For all practical objects near the surface of earth, centre of mass
and position of each constituent particles and centre of gravity lie at the same point as g is almost uniform.
 Center of Mass

Location of Centre of Mass 2.  x-coordinate of c.m.

1. Match the columns Coordinates of c.m.
5R
y
3m 2m (A) 1.
6

Ê 8L ˆ
(A) L
1. Á L, ˜ R
Ë 5¯ (B) O R 2R 2.
2m 4
m
x Uniform rings
O 2L
Rectangle

y 2m m
MR
(C) 3.
M+m
5L

Ê 34 L ˆ
(B) 2. Á , 4L˜
Ë 3 ¯
37° 37°
M
10 L 2m x
Parallelogram

O
y (D) 4. 3R
m
L 20
L Ê 5L ˆ
(C) 15 3. ÁË L, ˜
37° m 8 ¯ R
53°
m x Identical uniform rods
Triangle
A B C D
L
m (a) 3 1 4 2
y
(b) 3 4 2 1
(c) 1 3 9 2
2L
(d) 3 4 1 2
m Ê 3L ˆ
(D) m
4. Á 7 L, ˜ 3. Two blocks of mass 1 kg and 3 kg have position vectors
Ë 2 ¯ iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ and 3 iˆ - 2 ˆj + kˆ , respectively. The center
2L of mass of this system has a position vector
(a) - 2 iˆ + 2 kˆ (b) - 2.5iˆ - ˆj + kˆ
m
2.5iˆ - ˆj - kˆ (d) - iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
x
O m (c)
2L
4. All the particles of a body are situated at distance d
A B C D from the origin. The distance of the center of mass of
(a) 3 2 1 4 the body from the origin is
(b) 2 3 4 1 (a) = d (b) <d
(c) 1 2 3 4 (c) > d (d) ≥d
(d) 3 4 2 1
 2 Physics

5. Three identical metal balls each of radius r are placed

touching each other on a horizontal surface such that an
equilateral triangle is formed, when the center of three R
balls are joined. The center of mass of system is located 7R
(B) 2.
at the 6
(a) horizontal surface R
(b) center of one of the balls O
(c) line joining centers of any two balls
(d) point of intersection of medians
6. Look at the drawing given in the figure which has been
drawn with ink of uniform line-thickness. The mass of
ink used to draw each of the two inner circles and each 5R
of the two line segments is m. The mass of the ink used (C) 3.
6
to draw the outer circle is 6 m. The coordinates of the
centers of the different parts are: outer circle (0, 0), left R
inner circle (–a, a), right inner circle (a, a), vertical line 2R
(0, 0) and horizontal line (0, –a). The y-coordinate of the
center of mass of the ink in this drawing is
y
R

2R
(D) R 4.
3
x
O
R
2R
a a
(a) (b) A B C D
10 8 (a) 4 3 1 2
a a
(c) (d) (b) 4 3 2 1
12 3 (c) 3 2 1 4
7. A circular disc of radius R is removed from a bigger (d) 1 2 3 4
circular disc of radius 2R such that the circumferences
9. Which of the following is true for center of mass?
of the discs coincide. The center of mass of new disc is
(i) The center of mass of a body may lie within,
aR from the center of the bigger disc. The value of a is
outside, on the surface of the body.
1 1 (ii) In the case of symmetrical bodies, the center of
(a) (b)
3 2 mass coincides with the geometrical center of the
1 1 body.
(c) (d) (iii) In the absence of external forces, the center of
6 4
mass moves with constant velocity.
8. Match the columns (iv) If external forces are absent and system is initially
 c.m. of shaded portion (y-coordinate) at rest, then location of center of mass is fixed.
(a) (i), (ii) (b) (i), (ii), (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii), (iv) (d) all options are correct
10. The centre of mass of a system of particles is at (x0, y0,
z0) where x0 £ 0, y0 £ 0. It is known that no particle lies
R 28 R
(A) 1. in the region y < 0 and x < 0, then the position of centre
9p of mass can be
O (a) (0, 0, 4) (b) (0, –4, 0)
(c) (–4, 0, 0) (d) (–4, –4, 4,)
R
 Center of Mass 3

11. Three identical spheres each of radius R are placed Ê 15l 6l ˆ Ê 15l ˆ
touching each other on a horizontal table as shown in (a)
ÁË , ˜ (b)
ÁË , l˜
14 7 ¯ 14 ¯
the figure. The coordinates of center of mass are:
y Ê lˆ
(c)
ÁË l , ˜¯ (d) (l, l)
2
15. The ‘y’ coordinate of the centre of mass of the system
x of three rods of length ‘2a’ and two rods of length ‘a’ as
shown in the figure is: (Assume all rods to be of uniform
(a) (R, R) (b) (0, 0) density)
Ê R Rˆ Ê Rˆ y
(c)
ÁË , ˜¯ (d) ÁË R, ˜
2 2 3¯ 2a
12. If the density of the material of a square plate and a a a
circular plate shown in the figure is the same, the center 2a
of mass of the composite system will be
x
O
2a

9a 9a
l l (a) (b)
8 3 16 3
(a) inside the square plate
8a
(b) inside the circular plate (c) zero (d)
3
(c) at the point of contact
(d) outside the system 16. A homogeneous plate PQRST is as shown in the figure.
13. Four particles of mass m1 = 2m, m2 = 4m, m3 = m and m4 The centre of mass of plate lies at midpoint A of segment
are placed at four corners of a square. What should be b
QT. Then the ratio of is (PQ = PT = b; QR = RS =
the value of m4 so that the centre of mass of all the four a
particles is exactly at the centre of the square? ST = a)
m4 m3 R a Q
b

a A
P
m1 m2
b
(a) 2 m (b) 8 m S a T
(c) 6 m (d) none of these
14. A wire of uniform cross-section is bent in the shape 13 13
(a) (b)
shown in the figure. The coordinates of the center 4 2
of mass of each side are shown in the figure. The 13 13
coordinates of the center of mass of the system are (c) (d)
2 4
Y
17. Eight solid uniform cubes of edge l are stacked together
l to form a single cube with center O. One cube is
removed from this system. Distance of the centre of
3l ,2l
mass of remaining 7 cubes from O is
2

2l (0, l) (2l, l) 2l

(l, 0) X
0 2l
 4 Physics

r r
7 3l 3l -
(a) -
(b)
(a) (b) 2(p - ¼) 4(p - ¼)
16 16
r 3r
3l -
(c) -
(d)
(c) (d) zero 4(p - ½) 4(p - ¼)
14
21. A brick of length L is placed on the horizontal floor.
18. In the figure, the L-shaped shaded piece is cut from
The bricks of same length and size are placed on this
a metal plate of uniform thickness. The point that
corresponds to the center of mass of the L-shaped piece L
brick, one above the other by providing a margin of
is: 8
from the edge of the brick placed just below, in the same
direction. Find the correct option:
(a) Fifth brick will fall down
(b) Sixth brick alone will fall down
1
(c) Sixth brick along with fifth brick will fall down
2 3 (d) Fifth brick along with fourth brick will fall down
4 22. A uniform thin rod is bent in the form of closed loop
ABCDEFA as shown in the figure. The y-coordinate of
the centre of mass of the system is
y
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 3 (d) 4 C
Semicircle
19. From the circular disc of radius 4R two small discs A B
r
D E
of radius R are cut off. The centre of mass of the new x

structure will be: 2r

y Semicircle
F

2r 6r
(a) (b) -
x p 3p + 2
4R 6r
R (c) (d) Zero
3p + 2
23. Two semicircular rings of linear mass densities l and
2l and of radius ‘R’ each are joined to form a complete
R R R R
iˆ + ˆj (b)
(a) -iˆ + ˆj ring. The distance of the center of the mass of complete
5 5 5 5 ring from its centre is:
-3R 3R 2R
(c) (iˆ + ˆj ) (d) None of these (a) (b)
14 8p 3p
20. A disc (of radius r cm) of uniform thickness and 4R
(c) (d) none of these
uniform density r has a square hole with sides of length 21p
r
l= cm. One corner of the hole is located at the 24. A rod of length 3 m and its mass per unit length is
2 directly proportional to the distance x from its one end.
center of the disc and centre of the hole lies on y-axis
The center of gravity of the rod from that end will be at
as shown. Then the y-coordinate of position of center of
(a) 1.5 m (b) 2 m
mass of disc with hole (in cm) is
y (c) 2.5 m (d) 3.0 m
l 25. A thin rod of length L lying along the x-axis with its ends
at x = 0 and x = L. Its linear density (mass/length) varies
n
Ê xˆ
with x as k Á ˜ , where n can be zero or any positive
O
x Ë L¯
r number. If the position xc.m. of the center of mass of the
rod is plotted against n, which of the following graphs
best approximates the dependence of xc.m. on n?
 Center of Mass 5

32. Four cubes of side a = 1 m and of mass 40 g, 20 g, 10 g

and 20 g are arranged in x-y plane as shown in the figure.
(a) (b) The co-ordinates of the centre of mass of the combination
with respect to O are xcm and ycm. Find |xcm + ycm|.
y
(c) (d)

40
26. The linear mass density, i.e. mass per unit length of a rod of
Ê xˆ 20 10 20
length L is given by r = r0 Á 1 + ˜ , where r0 is constant, x
Ë L¯ O a
x distance from the left end. Find the total mass of rod.
33. Five uniform circular plates, each of diameter D and
x
mass m, are laid out in a pattern shown. Using the origin
O shown, the y co-ordinate of the centre of mass of the
L
αD
0 L 3 0 L five-plate system is . Find (α + β) .
(a) (b) β
2 2
+y
(c) r0L (d) None
27. In the above question, locate c.m. from the left end.
L 2L
(a) (b)
9 5 +x
5L 9L
(c) (d) Origin
9 5
28. Find c.m. of thin, uniform semicircular wire of radius R. 34. In the given figure, four rods AB, BC, CD and DA have
2R R masses m, 2m, 3m and 4m, respectively. In which of
(a) (b) the regions (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4) the centre of mass of
 
system lies?
3R 3R
(c) (d) D C
 2
2 1
29. Find c.m. of thin, uniform semicircular plate of radius R.
O
3R 4R
(a) (b) 3 4
2 2
A B
3R 4R
(c) (d) 35. In a two particle system, masses 2 kg and 3 kg are
4 3
30. Mass is non-uniformly distributed on the circumference present at (15, a) and (b, 20) respectively in an x-y
of a ring of radius a and centre at origin. Let b be the plane and its centre of mass lies on lines y = 2x and
x y
distance of centre of mass of the ring from origin. Then + = 1 . Find (a + b).
(a) b = a (b) 0 £ b £ a 12 24
36. Particles of masses m, 2m, 3m..........nm grams are
(c) b < a (d) b>a
placed on the same line at distances l, 2 l, 3 l,.......nl
31. Figure shows a cubical box that has been constructed cm from a fixed point. The distance of centre of mass
from uniform metal plate of negligible thickness. The of the particles from the fixed point (in centimetres) is
box is open at the top and has edge length 40 cm. The z
coordinate of the centre of mass of the box in cm, is ( pn + q )l
. Find (p + q – r).
z r
37. The given figure shows a disc of radius R = 20 cm with
a portion of it removed symmetrically. The removed part
is a disc of radius R/2. The removed part is now placed
in contact with the larger disc as shown in the figure. The
L
O
y disc has uniform mass distribution. With respect to origin
O at centre of larger disc, find x-coordinate (in cm) of the
centre of mass of system.
x
 6 Physics

y
41. The centre of mass of a non-uniform rod of length L
k . x2
whose mass per unit length l varies as l =
L
where k is a constant and x is the distance of any point
x
x on rod from its one end, is L. Find (x + y) (from the
O
same end). y

Center of Mass in Galileo’s World

Removed part
42. Internal forces acting within a system of particles can alter:
38. A uniform solid right circular cone of base radius R is (a) The kinetic energy of the system, but not the linear
joined to a uniform solid hemisphere of radius R and momentum of the system
of the same density, as shown in the figure. The centre (b) The linear momentum of the system, but not the
of mass of the composite solid lies at the centre of base kinetic energy of the system
of the cone. The height of the cone is xR . Find x. (c) The kinetic energy as well as the linear momentum
of the system
(d) Neither the kinetic energy nor the linear momentum
h of the system
R
43. Consider the configuration (shown below) of a rope
that is half hanging over the edge of a frictionless table.
Suppose the rope has a mass per unit length of l kg/m.
How much work is done by a force that slowly pulls the
entire rope up onto the table? Select the correct answer.
39. The given figure shows a square lamina with a disc
L
of radius removed from it which is now placed
2
symmetrically over upper right quarter. The location of
the centre of mass of the system relative to origin shown

pL ˆ ˆ
in the figure is (i + j ). Find y.
y L2 gl
(a) L2 gl (b)
8
2L L2 gl
Removed part (c) (d) None
4
placed on
remaining sheet 44. A man whose mass is m kg jumps vertically into air
from sitting position in which his center of mass is at a
2L height h1 from the ground. When his feet are just about
Origin to leave the ground his center of mass is at height h2
Removed from the ground and finally center of mass rises to h3
part above ground when he is at the top of the jump. What

is the average upward force exerted by the ground on
40. A uniformly thick plate in the shape of an arrow head him?
has dimensions as shown in the figure. Find the distance mg (h3 - h1 ) mg (h - h )
(in cm) of the centre of mass from point O. (a) (b) 3 1
(h3 - h2 ) h3
mg (h - h )
(c) 3 1 (d) none of these
(h2 - h1 )

45. In the figure, the block B of mass m starts from rest at the
6 cm

O
top of a wedge W of mass M. All surfaces are without
friction. W can slide on the ground. B slides down onto
the ground, moves along it with a speed v, has an elastic
3 cm 6 cm collision with the wall, and climbs back on to W.
 Center of Mass 7

1 kg 1 m/s

2 m/s y

x
2 kg

(a) 3 m/s (b) 1.67 m/s

(i) From the beginning, till the collision with the wall, (c) 1.5 m/s (d) 1.37 m/s
the centre of mass of ‘B plus W’ does not move 50. A body A of mass M while falling vertically downward
horizontally. under gravity breaks into two parts; a body B of mass
(ii) After the collision, the centre of mass on ‘B plus W’ 2M
M/3 and a body C of mass . The center of mass of
2 mv 3
moves with the velocity bodies B and C taken together shifts compared to that of
m+M
body A towards:
(iii) When B reaches its highest position of W, the speed
(a) Body C
2 mv
of W is (b) Body B
m+M
(c) Depends on height of breaking
(a) only (i) and (ii) are correct
(d) Does not shift
(b) only (ii) and (iii) are correct
51. A boy of mass m is standing on a block of mass M kept
(c) only (i) and (iii) are correct on a rough surface. When the boy walks from left to
(d) all are correct right on the block, the center of mass (boy + block) of
46. Of the sentences system:
(i) Internal forces acting on the system cannot change (a) remains stationary
1 2 (b) shifts towards left
mv , where m is the total mass of the system. (c) shift towards right
2 cm
(ii) Internal forces acting on a system cannot change (d) shifts towards right if M > m and towards left if
kinetic energy of system with respect to centre of M < m.
mass 52. At t = 0, the positions and velocities of two particles
(a) both (i) and (ii) are correct are as shown in the figure. They are kept on a smooth
(b) only (i) is correct surface and being mutually attracted by gravitational
(c) only (ii) is correct force. Find the position of center of mass at t = 2 s.
(d) Both (i) and (ii) are wrong y

47. A system of particles is free from any external force. If

 
v and a be the velocity and acceleration of the centre v1 = 5 m/s
1 kg
of mass, then it necessarily follows that: 1 kg x
    v2 = 3 m/s
(a) v = 0; a = 0 (b) v π 0; a = 0 x=0m x = 10 m
 
(c) v = 0; a π 0 (d) None of these X = 5 m
(a) (b) X = 7 m
X = 3 m
(c) (d) X = 2m
48. A child is sitting at one end of a long trolley moving
with a uniform speed v on a smooth horizontal track. 53. In a gravity free space, a man of mass M standing at a
If the child starts running towards the other end of the height h above the floor, throws a ball of mass m straight
trolley with a speed u (w.r.t. trolley), the speed of the down with a speed u. When the ball reaches the floor,
center of mass of the system will the distance of the man above the floor will be
(a) u + v (b) v–u (a) h (1 + m/M)
(c) v (d) none (b) h (2 – m/M)
49. Two bodies of masses 1 kg and 2 kg are moving in two (c) 2h
perpendicular directions with velocities 1 m/s and 2 m/s (d) a function of m, M, h and u
as shown in figure. The velocity of the center of mass 54. Two particles A and B initially at rest, move towards
(in magnitude) of the system will be: each other under a mutual force of attraction. At the
 8 Physics

instant, when the speed of A is v and the speed of B is 60. A ball of mass m is allowed to roll down the wedge of
2v, the velocity of centre of the system is mass M as shown in figure. What is the displacement of
(a) 0 (b) v wedge when the ball reaches from A to B?
(c) 1.5 v (d) 3 v A
m
B

55. Three balls of different masses are thrown at different q q

h
instants up against gravity. While all the three balls are d
in air, the centre of mass of the system of three balls has M
an acceleration:
(a) equal to ‘g’
Ê m ˆ
(b) which depends on the direction of motion and (a)
ÁË M + m ˜¯ (d + 2h cot q ) towards left
speeds of different balls
(c) which depends on the velocities, heights and masses Ê M ˆ
(b)
ÁË 2 M - m ˜¯ (d + 2h cot q ) towards left
of the balls
(d) which depends on the direction of motion, speeds
and masses of the ball Ê mˆ
(c)
ÁË M ˜¯ (d + 2h cot q ) towards right
56. A bomb of mass 4m, while moving on a parabolic path,
explodes at highest point of its path. If breaks into two Ê m+Mˆ
parts of mass ratio 1 : 3, smaller part coming to rest. (d)
ÁË 2 M ˜¯ (d + 2h cot q ) towards right
The range of this projectile was 60 m in the absence
of explosion. The distance of the second part from the 61. In the adjoining diagram, the small prism of mass M
point of projection when it strikes the ground is slides down on the bigger prism of mass 5M from position
(a) 60 m (b) 70 m shown at the top of the bigger prism to the position at
(c) 80 m (d) 90 m the bottom of the bigger prism as shown in figure. By
57. A wagon of 200 kg is moving on a smooth track with what distance does the combination move to the left if
velocity of 2 m/sec. A man of 80 kg also runs in the the bigger prism initially rests on a frictionless floor.
wagon with a velocity such that speed of the centre of L
mass of the system is zero. Find the velocity of man M L
relative to the wagon (in m/s):
(a) 5 (b) 6 5L L
5M
(c) 7 (d) 8 M L
58. An insulated particle of mass m is moving in a horizontal
plane (x-y) along the X-axis. At a certain height above the 5L
ground, it suddenly explodes into two fragments of masses
m/4 and 3m/4. An instant later, the smaller fragment is at L 4L
Y = +15 cm. The larger fragment at this instant is at: (a) (b)
2 5
(a) Y = –5 cm (b) Y = +20 cm
2L 5L
(c) Y = + 5 cm (d) Y = – 20 cm (c) (d)
3 6
59. A mass m is rest on an inclined plane of mass M which
is further resting on a smooth horizontal plane. Now if 62. Consider a large block placed on a smooth horizontal
the mass starts moving the position of C.M. of mass of surface, with a man standing at one end of the block.
system will: The man walks to the other end, relative to the block.
The distances (absolute) moved by the man and the
m
block are:
h
M (a) In the inverse ratio of their masses
(b) In the direct ratio of their masses
(a) remains unchanged (c) Independent of their masses
(b) change along the horizontal (d) Dependent both on their masses and speeds
(c) will move up in the vertical direction 63. Two masses 3m and 2m tied by a light string are
(d) will move down in the vertical direction the vertical placed on a wedge of mass 4 m. The wedge is placed on
along the horizontal a smooth horizontal surface. Find out the value of q so
 Center of Mass 9

that the wedge does not move after the system is set free
from the state of rest.
2m
4m
3m
45° q (c) 1/4 (d) None of these
(a) 30° (b) 45°
(c) 60° (d) none of these
64. The velocities
 of two particles A and B of same mass
are VA = aiˆ and VB = bjˆ where a and b are constants.
The acceleration of particle A is (2 aiˆ + 4bjˆ ) and
acceleration of particle B is (aiˆ - bjˆ ) (in m/s2). The
centre of mass of two particle will move in:
(a) straight line (b) parabola
(c) ellipse (d) circle
65. When a block is placed on a wedge as shown in the
figure, the block starts sliding down and the wedge also
start sliding on ground. All surfaces are rough. The
centre of mass of (wedge + block) system will move
Rough
Block
Wedge
67. The centre of mass of two masses m and m¢ moves by
x
distance when mass m is moved by distance x and m¢
5 m¢
is kept fixed. The ratio is
m
(a) 2 (b) 4
68. A disc of mass ‘m’ and radius R is placed on a smooth
horizontal floor such that the plane surface of the disc is
in contact with the floor. A man of mass m/2 stands on
the disc at its periphery. The man starts walking along the
periphery of the disc. The size of the man is negligible as
compared to the size of the disc. Then the centre of disc.
R
•
(a) moves along a circle of radius R/3
(b) moves along a circle of radius R/2
(c) moves along a circle of radius R
(d) does not move along a circle
69. Two blocks of masses 2 kg and 1 kg respectively are
tied to the ends of a string which passes over a light
frictionless pulley. The masses are held at rest at the
same horizontal level and then released.

Rough

(a) leftward and downward

(b) rightward and downward 1 kg
(c) leftward and upwards 2 kg
(d) only downward The distance traversed by centre of mass in 2 sec-
66. An explosive of mass 18 kg is located at position vector, onds is (g = 10 m/s2)

r0 = (6iˆ + 14 ˆj + 20 kˆ ) m in gravity free space. It breaks into (a) 1.42 m (b) 2.22 m
four parts of masses 5 kg, 3 kg, 4 kg and 6 kg respectively. (c) 3.12 m (d) 3.33 m
After sometime the position vectors of first three parts are 70. Two blocks of equal mass are tied with a light string which
  passes over a massless pulley as shown in the figure.
r1 = (10iˆ + 20 ˆj + 9kˆ) m r2 = (8iˆ + 18 ˆj + 25kˆ ) m and

r3 = (4iˆ + 10 ˆj + 20 kˆ ) m respectively. The position of the
fourth part at that time will be
Ê 29 ˆ 80 ˆ ˆ
ÁË 3iˆ -
(a) j+ k˜ m
3 3 ¯
Ê ˆ 29 ˆ 80 ˆ ˆ The magnitude of acceleration of centre of mass of
(b)
ÁË 6i - j+ k˜ m
3 3 ¯ both the blocks is (neglect friction everywhere)
Ê 29 ˆ 80 ˆ ˆ Ê 3 - 1ˆ Ê 3 + 1ˆ
ÁË 3iˆ +
(c) j+ k˜ m (a)
ÁË ˜¯ g (b)
ÁË ˜g
3 3 ¯ 4 2 4 2 ¯
Ê 29 ˆ 80 ˆ ˆ Ê 3 - 1ˆ Ê 3 + 1ˆ
ÁË 3iˆ +
(d) j- k˜ m (c)
ÁË ˜¯ g (d)
ÁË ˜g
3 3 ¯ 2 2 2 2 ¯
 10 Physics

71. In a vertical plane inside a smooth hollow thin tube a direction in 5 sec. (Here v1 and v2 are given with respect
block of same mass as that of tube is released as shown to the plank). Then
in the figure. When it is slightly disturbed it moves v1 v2
towards right. By the time the block reaches the right
end of the tube, then the displacement of the tube will be
A B

(where ‘R’ is mean radius of tube). Assume that the tube

20 kg
remains in vertical plane. (Horizontal plane is smooth)
m (i) v1 = 10 m/s, v2 = 0 m/s
(ii) v1 = 15 m/s, v2 = 5 m/s
m
R v1 = 20 m/s, v2 = 10 m/s
(iii)
(a) only (i) and (iii) are possible
2R 4R (b) all (i), (ii) and (iii) are not possible
(a) (b)
p p (c) only (ii) and (iii) are possible
R (d) all (i), (ii) and (iii) are possible
(c) (d) R
2 75. A small sphere of radius R held against the inner surface
72. A system of two blocks A and B and a wedge C is
of a smooth spherical shell of radius 6R as shown in the
released from the rest as shown in the figure. Masses of
figure. The masses of the shell and small spheres are 4M
the blocks and the wedge are m, 2m and 2m respectively.
and M respectively.
y
4M
A C B
6R M
R
The displacement of wedge C when block B slides down
the plane, a distance 10 cm is (neglect friction)
(a)
5 2 cm (b) 3 2 cm O
x
5
(c) 4 cm (d) cm This arrangement is placed on a smooth horizontal table.
2 The small sphere is now released. The x-coordinate of
73. Two men ‘A’ and ‘B’ are standing on a plank. ‘B’ is at the the centre of the shell when the smaller sphere reached
middle of the plank and ‘A’ is the left end of the plank. the other extreme position is
System is initially at rest and masses are as shown in the (a) R (b) 2R
figure. ‘A’ and ‘B’ starts moving such that the position of (c) 3R (d) 4R
‘B’ remains fixed with respect to ground, then ‘A’ meets 76. Two balls of the same mass are released simultaneously
‘B’. Then the point where A meets B is located at: from heights h and 2h from the ground level. The balls
40 kg
A
60 kg
B collide with the floor and stick to it. Then the velocity–
time graph of centre of mass of the two balls is best
represented by:
smooth
40 kg
V V
120 cm
(a) (b)
(a) the middle of the plank
(b) 30 cm from the left end of the plank t t
(c) the right end of the plank
(d) None of these
74. In the figure shown, the system is at rest initially. Two V V
persons ‘A’ and ‘B’ of masses 40 kg each move with (c) (d)
speeds v1 and v2 respectively towards each other on a
plank lying on a smooth horizontal surface as shown in t t
the figure. Plank travels a distance of 20 m towards right
 Center of Mass
77. surface. When the ball comes down to the lowest position,
m
M
A particle of mass m moving with velocity v0 strikes a
smooth wedge of mass M. After collision the ball starts
up moving an inclined plane and raises to height ‘h’.
Then
(a) Particle is at rest w.r.t. ground
(b) Both particle and wedge are at rest w.r.t. ground
(c) As it moves up, K.E. of centre of mass does not
remain constant
(d) All the above are true
78. Two 20 g worms climb over a 10 cm high, very thin
wall. One worm is thin and 20 cm long the other is fat
and only 10 cm long. What is the ratio of the potential
energy (w.r.t. the base of wall) of the thin worm as
compared to that of the fat worm when each is half way
over the top of the wall as shown?
(a) 1 : 1 (b) 2 : 1
(c) 2 : 3 (d) 1 : 2
79. Inside a hollow uniform sphere of mass M, a uniform
rod of length R 2 is released from the state of rest.
The mass of the rod is same as that of the sphere. If
the inner radius of the hollow sphere is R then find out
horizontal displacement of sphere with respect to earth
in the time in which the rod becomes horizontal.
(a) R/2 (b) R/4
(c) R /2 2 (d) None
Ê Rˆ
80. A ball of mass m and radius Á ˜ is placed as shown,
Ë 10 ¯
on a block B of mass 9m which is placed on a smooth
11
the block B will move to the left by a distance of:
(a) 0.25R (b) 0.14R
(c) 0.15R (d) 0.20R
81. A projectile explodes at its highest point into 3 equal
parts. One part retraces its path back, the second part
loses its velocity and the third part land on the horizontal
surface (the surface from where projectile was initially
projected) at the distance of 30 3 m from the point
at which centre of mass would have landed at the
horizontal surface. If the projectile was projected at an
angle of 300. Find the velocity of projection (in m/s).
(a) 10 (b) 20
(c) 10 2 (d) 20 2
82. A uniform rod OA of length , resting on a smooth
surface is slightly disturbed from its vertical position
of unstable equilibrium. P is a point on the rod whose
locus is a circle during the subsequent motion of the rod.
Then the distance OP is equal to:
 
(a) (b)
2 3

(c) (d) there is no such point
4
83. In the above question, the velocity of end O when end A
hits the ground is:
(a) zero
(b) along the horizontal
(c) along the vertical
(d) at some inclination to the ground (≠ 90)
84. The block A of mass M is placed on a smooth inclined
plane of angle q with horizontal. Block B of mass m
is placed on rough surface of block A with coefficient
of friction as m. Find acceleration of centre of mass of
block A and B:
 12 Physics

m
Smooth g
(B) 2.
10 2
2m

Mg sin q
g sin q
(a) (b)
( M + m)
2 5

2m
(C) 3. g
mg sin q mg(sin q - m cos q ) m 9
(c) (d)
( M + m) ( M + m)
30°
85. Two particles A and B initially at rest move towards
each other under a mutual force of attraction. At the Smooth inclined plane
instant when speed of A is v and the speed of B is 2v, the
speed of center of mass of the system is
m g
(a) zero (b) v (D) 4.

m
9
3v
(c) (d) 3v 53° 37°
2
86. A ladder is leaned against a smooth wall and it is allowed Smooth inclined plane
to slip on a frictionless floor. Which figure represents A B C D
the trace of its center of mass? (a) 1 2 3 4
(b) 4 3 1 2
(c) 4 3 2 1
(d) 3 4 2 1
(a) (b) 89. Two balls are thrown simultaneously from top of tower
Time
in air as shown in the figure.
Time
u1

m a
2m
b
(c) (d) u2

Time Time

87. A pulley fixed to the ceiling carries a string with

blocks of mass m and 3 m attached to its ends. The
masses of string and pulley are negligible. When the
system is released, its center of mass moves with what
acceleration
(a) 0 (b) g/4
(c) g/2 (d) –g/2
88. Match the pairs
Arrangement Acceleration of c.m. (magnitude)
90. Which of the following statements are true?
(A) 1. zero
m 2m
(i) The acceleration of the center of mass of two balls
while in air is equal to g.
(ii) The path followed by the center of mass is parabola.
(iii) The path followed by the center of mass will be
vertical straight line if u1 sin a = u2 sin b.
(iv) The acceleration of the center of mass will change
if one ball after striking the ground comes to rest.
(a) (i), (ii), (iii) (b) (i), (ii), (iv)
(c) (i), (ii) (d) all of the above
(i) A uniform wooden plank of mass 150 kg and length
8 m is floating on still water with a man of 50 kg at
one end of it. The man walks to the other end of the
plank and stops. The distance covered by the plank
is 2 m.
 Center of Mass
(ii) A kid of mass 15 kg is sitting in a boat of mass
45 kg in a lake. The distance of kid from the bank
of lake is 12 m. Now the boy moves inside the
boat at a distance 4 m towards the bank and stops.
The distance of the kid from the bank (there is no
friction between the water and the boat) is 11 m.
(iii) Two persons of masses 40 kg and 60 kg are sitting
at the midpoint of a 12-m-long boat (140 kg)
standing still in water. Now they move the to
opposite ends of the boat. Neglecting the friction
between boat and water, the distance traveled by
the boat in water is 50 cm.
(iv) In a gravity free space, a man of mass m standing
at a height h above the floor, throws a ball of mass
m0 straight down with a speed v0. When the ball
reaches the floor, the distance of the man above
Ê m ˆ
the floor is Á 1 + 0 ˜ h .
Ë m¯
(a) (i), (ii) (b) (i), (iii), (iv)
(c) (ii), (iii), (iv) (d) all of the above
91. Which of the following statements is true?
(i) A cart of mass M is tied by one end of a massless
rope of length 10 m. The other end of the rope is in
the hands of a man of mass M. The entire system
is on a smooth horizontal surface. The man is at x
= 0 and the cart at x = 10 m. If the man pulls the
cart by the rope, the man and the cart will meet at
the point x = 5 m.
(ii) Two spherical bodies of mass M and 5M and
radii R and 2R, respectively, are released in free
space with initial separation between their centers
equal to 12 R. If they attract each other due to the
gravitational force only, then the distance covered
by the smaller body just before collision is 7.5 R.
(iii) Two skaters A and B, having masses 40 kg and
60 kg, respectively, stand facing each other 10 m
apart on a horizontal smooth surface. They pull
on a rope stretched between them, the distance
covered by A, when skaters meet is 6 m.
(iv) A balloon (mass M) is attached to light rope of
length L. To the other end of the rope a boy (mass
m) is hanging in air. The system is at rest. The
distance traveled by the balloon (in downward
direction) when the boy touches the balloon is
ML
.
M+m
(a) (i), (ii) (b) (i), (ii), (iii)
(c) (iii), (iv) (d) all of the above
92. A cubical block of ice of mass m and edge L is placed in
large tray of mass M. If the ice melts, by what distance
the center of mass of (ice + tray) system descend?
13
ice
L
O
mL mL
(a) (b)
(m + M ) 2 (m + M )
mL ML
(c) (d)
M m
93. A boy (mass 40 kg) is standing at one end of a boat (mass
60 kg) in still water. The length of the boat is 10 m and
the boy takes 2 s to reach at other end of boat moving
with constant speed. Assuming no friction between the
boat and the water.
(i) The distance covered by the boat is 4 m
(ii) The distance covered by the boy with respect to
the ground is 6 m.
(iii) The velocity of the boy with respect to the ground
is <5 m/s
(iv) The velocity of the boy is 3 m/s
(a) (i), (ii) (b) (ii), (iii)
(c) (i), (ii), (iii) (d) all options are correct
94. Two particles A and B of masses 2m and m are placed
on a smooth surface at separation d. They move towards
each other due to the mutual attractive force.
(i) The particles will meet at distance d/3 from the
initial position of mass 2m.
(ii) The speed of A will be half of speed of B until the
particles collide (excluding the initial speed).
(iii) The distance covered by B is always double that
covered by A until the particles collide.
(iv) The velocity of center of mass is always zero.
(a) (i), (ii) (b) (i), (ii), (iii)
(c) (ii), (iii), (iv) (d) all options are correct
95. The velocity of the CM of a system changes from
v1 = 4 iˆ m/s to v2 = 3 ˆj m/s during time Dt = 2 s. If the
mass of the system is m = 10 kg, the constant force (in N)
acting on the system is:
96. A man weighing 80 kg is standing on a trolley weighting
320 kg. The trolley is resting on frictionless horizontal
rails. If the man starts walking on the trolley along the
rails at speed 1 m/s (w.r.t. trolley) then after 4 s his
displacement (in m) relative to the ground will be:
97. Two blocks of masses 10 kg and 4 kg are connected by
a spring of negligible mass and placed on a frictionless
horizontal surface. An impulse give a velocity of 14
m/s to the heavier block in the direction of the lighter
block.
The velocity (in m/s) of center of mass is:
98. A particle of mass 200 g is dropped from a height of 50 m
and another particle of mass 100 g is simultaneously
 14 Physics

projected up from the ground along the same lime, with B

a speed of 100 m/s. The acceleration (m/s2) of the centre
of mass after 1 sec is
99. Both the blocks shown in the given arrangement are

50 m
given together have a horizontal velocity towards right. 40 m/s
If acm be the subsequent acceleration of the centre of
mass of the system of blocks, then acm (m/s2) equals: A

m = 0.1 103. A cylindrical pot is slowly filled with water. The centre
1 kg of mass of the empty pot is at a height of 10 cm, the
m = 0.2 mass of the pot is 1 kg, and its inner area is 0.4 m2.
2 kg What is the height (in cm) of the water in it, if the centre
of mass of the system is at the lowest position? (Take
density of water 1000 kg/m3)
100. Two blocks A and B of masses 8 kg and 4 kg placed
104. Two persons A and B of weight 80 kg and 50 kg,
on a smooth horizontal ground are connected by a
respectively, are standing at opposite ends of a boat of
massless spring. An impulse provides a velocity of
mass 70 kg and length 2 m at rest. When they interchange
3 m/s to the block A. Find the velocity (in m/s) of the
their positions, then displacement of the centre of mass
centre of mass.
of the boat will be x cm towards left. Find x.
K = 400 N/m
8 kg A B 4 kg
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

101. A projectile of mass 3m explodes at the highest point

of its path. It breaks into three equal parts. One part
retraces its path, the second one comes to rest. The
range of the projectile was 100 m if no explosion would
have taken place. The distance (in m) of the third part
from the point of projection when it finally lands on the
ground, is
102. A small ball A is thrown up with a velocity 40 m/s from
the ground. Another identical ball B of same mass is just
dropped from a height of 50 m simultaneously at time
t = 0 so that both collide in air and stick together. Find
the value of t (in s) at which combined mass will fall to
the ground. (g = 10 m/s2)
A B
2m
105. A bomb of mass 6 kg is kept at the centre of a closed
box also of mass 6 kg and length 24 m. It explodes in
two parts of mass 2 kg and 4 kg. The two parts move in
opposite direction and stick to the opposite sides of the
walls of the box. The box is kept on a smooth horizontal
surface. What is the distance (in m) moved by the box
during this time interval.
 Center of Mass 15

ARCHIVE
1. A uniform cable of mass ‘M’ and length ‘L’ is placed on 4. A uniform rectangular thin sheet ABCD of mass M has
æ1ö
th
length a and breadth b, as shown in the figure. If the
a horizontal surface such that its ç ÷ part is hanging shaded portion HBGO is cut-off, the coordinates of the
ènø
centre of mass of the remaining portion will be
below the edge of the surface. To lift the hanging part of
(0, b) (a, b)
the cable upto the surface, the work done should be A
H
B
a b
MgL MgL 2 2
(a) 2 (b)
n 2n 2 E
O
G

2MgL
(c) 2 (d) nMgL
n D
(0, 0) F
C
(a, 0)
 (JEE Main 2019)
 æ 2a 2b ö æ 5a 5b ö
2. The position vector of the centre of mass rcm of an (a)
ç , ÷ (b)
ç , ÷
è 3 3 ø è 3 3 ø
symmetric uniform bar of negligible area of cross-
section as shown in figure is æ 3a 3b ö æ 5a 5b ö
(c)
ç , ÷ (d)
ç , ÷
è 4 4ø è 12 12 ø
 (JEE Main 2019)
5. Three particles of masses 50 g, 100 g and 150 g are
placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 1
L m (as shown in the figure). The (x, y) coordinates of the
centre of mass will be
L 2L 3L Y
m3 = 150 g
13
® 5 ® 11 3
rcm = Lxˆ + Lyˆ (b)
(a) rcm = Lxˆ + Lyˆ
8 8 8 8
® 3 11 ® 5 13
(c) rcm = Lxˆ + Lyˆ (d) rcm = Lxˆ + Lyˆ m1 = 50 g 60° m2 = 100 g
8 8 8 8 0 0.5 m 1.0 m
 (JEE Main 2019)
3. Four particles A, B, C and D with masses mA = m, æ7 3 ö æ 3 5 ö
(a)
çç 12 m, 8 m ÷÷ (b)
çç m, m÷
mB = 2m, mC = 3m and mD = 4m are at the corners of è ø è 4 12 ÷ø
a square. They have accelerations of equal magnitude
with directions as shown. The acceleration of the centre æ7 3 ö æ 3 7 ö
(c)
çç m, m ÷÷ (d)
çç m, m÷
of mass of the particles is è 12 4 ø è 8 12 ÷ø
a
Y  (JEE Main 2019)
6. Three-point particles of masses 1.0 kg, 1.5 kg and 2.5 kg
B a
C
X are placed at three corners of a right angle triangle of sides
4.0 cm, 3.0 cm and 5.0 cm as shown in the figure. The
a
A
D center of mass of the system is at a point
a

a a ˆ ˆ
(a) (iˆ - ˆj ) (b) (i + j )
5 5
(c) zero (d) a (iˆ + ˆj )
 (JEE Main 2019)
 16 Physics

(a)
1.5 cm right and 1.2 cm above 1 kg mass
(b)
0.9 cm right and 2.0 cm above 1 kg mass
(c)
0.6 cm right and 2.0 cm above 1 kg mass
(d)
2.0 cm right and 0.9 cm above 1 kg mass
(JEE Main 2020)
7. The coordinates of centre of mass of a uniform flag-
shaped lamina (thin flat plate) of mass 4 kg (the
coordinates of the same are shown in figure) are
(a) (R2 – R + 1) (2 – R) = 1
(b) (R2 + R – 1) (2 – R) = 1
(c) (R2 + R + 1) (2 – R) = 1
(d) (R2 – R – 1) (2 – R) = 1
(JEE Main 2020)
9. A rod of length L has non-uniform linear mass density
2
Ê xˆ
given by r ( x ) = a + b Á ˜ , where a and b are constants
Ë L¯
(a) (1.25 m, 1.50 m) (b) (1 m, 1.75 m) and 0 ≤ x ≤ L. The value of x for the centre of mass of
(c) (0.75 m, 0.75 m) (d) (0.75 m, 1.75 m) the rod is at
(JEE Main 2020) 3 Ê 2a + b ˆ 3Ê a+b ˆ
(a) ÁË ˜¯ L (b) Á ˜L
8. As shown in figure, when a spherical cavity (centred at 2 3a + b 2 Ë 2a + b ¯
O) of radius 1 is cut out of a uniform sphere of radius R
(centred at C), the centre of mass of remaining (shaded) 3 Ê 2a + b ˆ 4Ê a+b ˆ
(c) ÁË ˜¯ L (d) Á ˜L
part of sphere is at G, i.e., on the surface of the cavity. R 4 3a + b 3 Ë 2a + 3b ¯
can be determined by the equation (JEE Main 2020)

  ANSWER KEY 
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (a) 7. (a) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (a)
11. (d) 12. (a) 13. (d) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (b) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (a) 29. (d) 30. (b)
31. (16) 32. (2) 33. (9) 34. (2) 35. (0) 36. (0) 37. (5) 38. (3) 39. (16) 40. (1)
41. (7) 42. (a) 43. (b) 44. (c) 45. (d) 46. (b) 47. (d) 48. (c) 49. (d) 50. (d)
51. (c) 52. (b) 53. (a) 54. (a) 55. (a) 56. (b) 57. (c) 58. (a) 59. (c) 60. (a)
61. (d) 62. (a) 63. (a) 64. (a) 65. (b) 66. (c) 67. (b) 68. (a) 69. (b) 70. (a)
71. (c) 72. (b) 73. (c) 74. (b) 75. (b) 76. (b) 77. (c) 78. (c) 79. (b) 80. (b)
81. (b) 82. (c) 83. (a) 84. (a) 85. (a) 86. (c) 87. (b) 88. (b) 89. (c) 90. (b)
91. (b) 92. (b) 93. (d) 94. (d) 95. (25) 96. (3.20) 97. (10) 98. (10) 99. (2) 100. (2)
101. (250) 102. (5) 103. (2) 104. (30) 105. (2)

Archive
1.
(b) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (c) 9. (c)
 CENTRE OF MASS

m 14 L 3 L
Location of Centre of Mass
2 m 4 L 3 L
1. (d)
(A) xc.m. = 2 m ¥ 10 L + m ¥ 14 L + 2 m ¥ 4 L
y = 7L
2m  m = 6m
3m
yc.m. = m ¥ 3L + 2 m ¥ 3L 3L
=
L Â m = 6m 2
m
x (C) y m
O 2m
L 20
2L L
15
53° 37° m
Coordinates m
x
25 L
Mass x y
m ¥ 25L + m ¥ 9 L 34 L
m 0 0 xc.m. = =
3m 3
2m 2 L 0
m ¥ 12 L
2m 2 L L yc.m. = = 4L
3m
3m 0 L
(D) y L
m ¥ 0 + 2 m ¥ 2 L + 2 m ¥ 2 L + 3m ¥ 0 m

xc.m. = =L
 m = m + 2 m + 2 m + 3m = 8m
2L
2 m ¥ L + 3m ¥ L 5 L

yc.m. = = m m
8m 8

Ê 5L ˆ 2L
(xc.m., yc.m.) ∫ Á L,
Ë 8 ˜¯
m
(B) O m x
2L
y 2m m
x y
m 0 0
5L

m 2 L 0
m 2 L 2 L
37° 37° m L 4 L
m x m 0 2 L
10 L 2m
Parallelogram
xc.m. =
m ¥ 2L + m ¥ 2L + m ¥ L
=L
5m
3 4
sin 37° = , cos 37∞ = m ¥ 2 L + m ¥ 4 L + m ¥ 2 L 8L
5 5 yc.m. = =
5m 5
5L cos 37° = 4L, 5L sin 37° = 3L 2. (d)
x y
m ¥ 0 + MR MR
m 0 0 (A) xc.m. = =
m+M M+m
2 m 10 L 0
(B) Mass of ring µ length
 2 Solutions

2m 8. (a)
m
(A)
O x
R

R
4R
– R
mR + 2 m ¥ 4 R R R
xc.m. = = 3R
m + 2m
R
R Ê R Rˆ Ê 2R R ˆ O O
+ m Á + ˜ + mÁ
m + ˜
2 Ë 3 2¯ Ë 3 2¯ 5R R R 2
(C) xc.m. = = 1
3m 6
R R
m¥0+m m1 µ R2, m1 = m, y1 =
2 =R 2
(D) xc.m. =
m+m 4
3. (b) R2 m R
m2 µ , m2 = , y2 =
  2 2 3
 m1 R + m2 R
Rc.m. =
m1 + m2
R m R
= - 2.5iˆ - ˆj + kˆ m1 y1 - m2 y2 m 2 - 2 ¥ 3 2 R
yc.m. = = =
4. (b) m1 - m2 m 3
m-
2
If particles are placed symmetrically, c.m. will be at the origin, i.e.
xc.m. = yc.m. = 0 (B)
5. (d)

c.m. will be at the center of the equilateral triangle. R

–

O O O

6. (a)  1 2

6 m ¥ 0 + m ¥ 0 + m(- a ) + ma + ma a m1 µ pR2, m1 = m, y1 = R
yc.m. = =
6 m + m + m + m + m = 10 m 10 2
Ê Rˆ m R 3R
7. (a) m2 µ p Á ˜ , m2 = , y2 = R + =
Ë 2¯ 4 2 2

O – m 3R
m1 y1 - m2 y2 mR - 4 ¥ 2
O O
5R
yc.m. = = =
m1 - m2 m 6
2R 2R m1 m2 m-
4
Mass of disc µ area (C)
m1 µ p (2R)2, m2 µ pR2
m1 = 4m, m2 = m
c.m. of the remaining disc –
m1 x1 m2 x2 4 m ¥ 0 - m ¥ R R
xc.m. = = =- O O
O
m1 - m2 4m - m 3 2
R 1
c.m. of the remaining disc will be at distance R/3, left of O. 2R
 Center of Mass 3

p (2 R)2 4 ¥ (2 R ) 8 R
m1 µ , m1 = 4 m, y1 = =
2 3p 3p
p R2 4R
m2 µ , m2 = m, y2 = l/2 l/2
2 3p
8R 4R
4m ¥ -m¥
m y - m2 y2 3p 3p = 28 R
yc.m. = 1 1 =
m1 - m2 4m - m 3p p l 2s l
M1 ¥ 0 + pl pl
a cm = 4 fi xcm = =
(D) p˘ (p + 4) p + 4
2 È
l s Í1 + ˙ 4
Î 4˚ 4

l
R xcm < , i.e., COM lies in the square
2

R 13. (d)
Unless m1 = m3 the COM of all the four particles can never be at the
O O O centre of the square.
1 2
R 14. (a)
 2R m 3l
m ´ 0 + ml + m ´ 2l +
m1 µ (2R)2, m1 = 4m, y1 = R X cm = 2 2
3.5 m
R
m2 µ R2, m2 = m, y2 =
2 15 ml 15l
X cm = =
7
R 4 ¥ m 14
m1 y1 - m2 y2 4 m ¥ R - m ¥ 2 7 R 2
yc.m. = = = m
m1 - m2 4m - m 6 m ¥ 0 + ml + ml + 2l
Ycm = 2 fi Y = 3ml = 6l
cm
7 7m 7
9. (d) m
Acceleration of centre of mass is zero when no external force acts 2 2
on the system. Therefore, the centre of mass moves with constant 15. (b)
velocity and is fixed. The y-coordinate of centre of mass is
10. (a)
m1 y1 + m2 y2 + m3 y3 + m4 y4 + m5 y5
y=
m1 + m2 + m3 + m4 + m5
Ê 3 ˆ Ê 3 ˆ Ê 3 ˆ
(R, R 3) 2m Á a + 2 m(0) + 2 m(0) + m Á a + mÁ a
Ë 2 ˜¯ Ë 4 ˜¯ Ë 4 ˜¯
=
8m
9a
=
(2R, 0) 16 3

x and y coordinates of all the particles are positive. Hence x and y y
coordinates of centre of mass of the system have to be positive. 2a
1
11. (d)
4 5
m ¥ 0 + m ¥ 2 R + mR 2a
xcm = =R x
3m O 2a
2 3
m ¥ 0 + m ¥ 0 + mR 3 R
ycm = =
3m 3
12. (a) 16. (d)
Mass of square plate M1 = l2s If centre of mass is at A
l2 a 1 1
Mass of circular disc M 2 = p s a2s = s ab sin q b sin q
4 2 2 3
 4 Solutions

m1 y1 + m2 y2 (p r 2 )s (0) + l 2 (-s )(r /2)

R a Q
Ycm = =
q b m1 + m2 p r 2s + l 2 (-s )
A r3
-
a P
- l 2r 2 -r
= = =
b 2
2(p r - l ) 2 Ê r2 ˆ Ê 1ˆ
2Ápr2 - ˜ 4Áp - ˜
Ë 2¯ Ë 2¯
S a T
b 13 21. (c)
or =
a 4
L/2 L/2
17. (c)

Let the position of C.M. of remaining structure from O is r
5
Êl l l ˆ 4
8m ¥ 0 - m Á iˆ + ˆj + kˆ ˜
 Ë2 2 2 ¯ -l (iˆ + ˆj + kˆ ) 3
r= = L/8 2
7m 14
1
 3l
fi | r |= L/2
14
18. (b) As shown in the diagram, fifth brick is in limiting equilibrium. So,
when sixth brick is placed over the fifth brick, both will fall down as
y
fifth brick is in limiting equilibrium.
22. (b)
O¢ OO¢ = r 2r
1 O The centre of mass of semicircular ring is at a distance from its
2 3
x
centre. (Let λ = mass/length) p

4 2r 4r
lp r ¥ - l ¥ 2p r ¥
\ Ycm = p p = - 6r
lp r + lr + lr + l ¥ 2p r 3p + 2
Let the mass of a small square = m
23. (b)
Hence the mass of the square plate = 48m Let the two half rings be placed in left and right of y-axis with centre
And the mass of the L shaped plate = 24m as shown in figure.

Let the position of centre of mass of remaining structure be r ¢ y

 48m ¥ 0 - 24 m ¥ r 
r¢ = = -r
48m - 24 m l 2l
Hence the position of C.M. should be at ‘2’.
x
19. (c)
Mass of disc
If mass of removed disc is m the mass of big disc will be 16 m.
16 m (0) - m (0) - m (3 R ) 3 Then the coordinate of centre of mass of left and right half rings are
xcm = =- R
16 m - m - m 14 Ê 2R ˆ Ê 2R ˆ
ÁË - p , 0˜¯ and ÁË p , 0˜¯ .
Because of symmetry we can say ycm will also have the same
magnitude \ x-coordinates of centre of mass of complete ring is
3 Ê 2R ˆ Ê 2R ˆ
ycm = - R mÁ - + 2m Á
14 Ë p ˜¯ Ë p ˜¯ 2 R
 3 =
rcm = - R(iˆ + ˆj ) 3m 3p
14
24. (b)
20. (c) Mass per unit length, i.e. linear mass density
This disc can be assumed to be made of a complete uniform disc and m µ x fi m = lx, l: constant
a square plate with the same negative mass density.
 Center of Mass 5

dm L
Ê xˆ
O
x
m = Ú ËÚ
dm = r dx = r0 Á 1 + ˜ dx
L¯ Ú
0
dx
3m L
x2 Ê L ˆ 3r L
dm = m dx = lx dx
= r0 x + = r0 Á L + ˜ = 0
2L Ë 2¯ 2
0
3

x dm Ú
x l x dx 27. (c)

xc.m. =
Ú = 0
L
Ê xˆ
Ú dm
3
Ú x dm = Úxr 0 ÁË 1 + L ˜¯ dx
Ú l x dx xc.m. = 0
3 r0 L
0
3
Ú dm 2
x3 L
33 L
Ê x2 ˆ x2 x3
  =
Úx 2 dm
=
3
0
= 32 = 2 m Ú Á
Ë
x +
L ˜¯
dx
2
+
3L
Ú x dx
3 0 0
x2 3 = =
3L 3L
2 2
0 2 2
25. (d) L2 L3 5L2
+
3L = 6 = 5L
xc.m. =
Ú x dm = Ú x r dx = 2
3L 3L 9
Ú dm Ú r dx 28. (a)
2 2

L n L y
Ê xˆ
Ú Úx
n +1
x k Á ˜ dx dx
Ë L¯ dm
y
0 0
= L
= L
dm
n R R
Ê xˆ dq
Ú 0
k Á ˜ dx
Ë L¯ Úx
0
n
dx
O
q
x
q
y = R sin q
x

L m m dq
xn + 2 dm = R dq =
pR p
n+2 Ê n + 1ˆ
0 p
= =Á L m
x n +1
L
Ë n + 2 ˜¯ Ú R sin q p dq
Ú y dm R
p

n +1 yc.m. = = 0
= Ú sin q dq
Ú dm m p
0
0
Ê n + 2 - 1ˆ L
= Á L=L- R R
- cos q 0 = [- cos (p ) - {- cos (0)}]
p
Ë n+2 ¯ ˜ n+2 =
p p
L R 2R
n = 0, xc.m. = = [1 + 1] =
2 p p
For any value of n, xc.m. < L
29. (d)
26. (b) y
Take a small length dx at distance x from O.
dr
O
r
x
dx O R x
Mass of element:
dm = r dx M 2M
Mass/area = 2
=
Total mass of rod: p R /2 p R2
 6 Solutions

Here, the element is semicircular ring of radius and fi xcm = 6, ycm = 12

thickness for Now,
dA = prdr
m1 x1 + m2 x2
xcm =  fi  b = 0
2M 2M m1 + m2
dm = ¥ p rdr = rdr
p R2 R2
m1 y1 + m2 y2
2r and ycm = fi a = 0
The coordinates of the c.m. of element, y = m1 + m2
p
R
36. (0)
2r 2 Mrdr Distance of centre of mass,

yc.m. = Ú y dm = Ú 0
p R2 xcm =
∑ mi xi = ml + 2m (2l ) + 3m (3l ) + ..... + (nm)(nl )
∑ mi m + 2m + 3m + ..... + nm
Ú dm M
=
 1 + 22 + 32 + .... + n 2 
l=
2n ( n + 1) ( 2n + 1)
l
R R  1 + 2 + 3 + .... + n  6 ( n ) ( n + 1)
4 4 r3
Úr
2
= dr = (2n + 1)
p R2 p R2 3 = l
0 0 3
4 ÊR 3ˆ
4R 37. (5)
= 2 Á 3 ˜
=
p R Ë ¯ 3p M
Mass of removed part = , where M is the mass of disc.
30. (b) 4
If mass is non-uniformly distributed, then centre of mass of ring Centre of mass (x-coordinate)
may lie from origin to circumference. Hence, 0 £ b £ a.  M  R M 3R
M × 0 + −  × + ×
31. (16)  4 2 4 2 = 2 R = 5 cm
=
If m is mass of one plate, then M 8
m.20 + m.20 + m.20 + m.20 + m.0 38. (3)
Z cm = = 16 cm
5m
32. (2) 1 h 2 3R
ρ × πR 2 h × − ρ × πR 3 × h/4
0= 3 4 3 8
a 3a 5a a 1 2
20 ×+ 10 × + 20 × + 40 × ρ × πR 2 h + ρ × πR 2
xcm = 2 2 2 2 = 19a 3 3 3R/8
90 18
h2 R 2
a a a 3a ⇒ − = 0 ⇒ h = 3R
20 × + 10 × + 20 × + 40 × 12 4
ycm = 2 2 2 2 = 17 a
90 18
39. (16)
33. (9)
Σmi yi m × 0 + m × D + m × 2 D + m × D + m × 0
ycm = =
Σmi m+m+m+m+m πm
16
4D L L m M m
= 2
5 2 16 16
34. (2) L L
3m 2 2

Along this axis – πm

4m 16
 
4m 2m fi Centre of mass lies in
6m region 2.
L
2
8 45°
m

35. (0)
x y
COM would be at inter-section of y = 2x and + =1
12 24
 Center of Mass 7

Let v is velocity of center of mass when contact is left:

æ pm ö L pm æ L ö
çè ÷ - - ÷ +m pæ L ö
16 ø 2 16 çè 2ø v 2 = 2 a (h2 - h1 )
rcm = = ç from origin
m 8 è 2 ÷ø
Ê F - mg ˆ
 pæ L ö pL ˆ ˆ fi v2 = 2 Á (h - h )
r= ç
8 è 2 ÷ø
(cos 45° iˆ + sin45° ˆj ) =
16
i+ j ( ) Ë m ˜¯ 2 1
Now he is in free fall. Further height raised = h3 – h2.
40. (1) v2
Note that the centre of mass of a uniform thick triangular sheet is at So h3 - h2 =
2g
the centroid which divides a median in a ratio 2:1. The required centre
of mass must be on the line of symmetry passing through O and the Ê F - mg ˆ
vertex to the right. Consider the shape of arrowhead to be obtained by fi h3 - h2 = Á (h2 - h1 )
Ë mg ˜¯
cutting the triangular part to the left (with base 6 cm and height 3 cm)
from the uncut triangular sheet with base 6 cm and height 9 cm. The mg(h3 - h1 )
fi F=
ratio of masses of these two is 3:1, the thickness being uniform. (h2 - h1 )
45. (d)
x1 x2 (i) Force acting on the horizontal direction is zero. Since
m1 O m2 block and wedge both are initially at rest. So, velocity of
C.O.M (B plus W) will be zero i.e., center of mass does not
move horizontally
m2 x2 − m1 x1 (ii) When block B reaches on the ground, the wedge will same
xcm = = – 1 cm fi COM is right of O. moment as block but opposite direction. The block move
m2 − m1
on ground and collides with wall. As collision is elastic
the block will have same linear momentum as it has before
41. (7)
collision but in opposite direction.
dx
- mv + (- mv) È mv1 + m2 v2 ˘
x vcm = Í∵ vcm = ˙
M+m Î m1 + m2 ˚


L
L
K 2 x4 2 mv
ò L x dx . x 4 3
| vcm | =
M+m
xcm = 0
= 0
= L

L L 4
K 2 x3
(iii) When B reaches its highest position of W, the speed W is
ò L x dx 2mv
0 3 equal to velocity of C.O.M. i.e., V =
0
M+m
46. (b)
Centre of Mass in Galileo’s World Internal forces cannot change acceleration of centre of mass. Thus
42. (a) internal forces have no effect on velocity of centre of mass.
Consider a bomb blast, where the internal chemical energy generates The kinetic energy of system of two particles of mass m1 and m2
strong internal forces. The total kinetic energy of the fragments having velocities, in centre of mass frame is:
is much higher than that of the bomb before explosion. However 1    
absence of external force result in no change in the total linear k= m1 (v1 - vcm ) ◊ (v1 - vcm )
2
momentum of the system.
1    
43. (b) + m2 (v2 - vcm ) ◊ (v2 - vcm )
2
Work done is equal to increase in potential energy of overhanging part
W = DU Internal forces change velocities and hence kinetic energies of
2 constituent particles of the system. Thus internal forces change
m L l LgL l gL kinetic energy of the system in centre of mass frame.
= g = =
2 4 8 8 ∴ only (i) is correct.
44. (c) 47. (d)
From h1 to h2, let average force is F. Acceleration 
Absence of external force, only confirms about the fact that a = 0.
a will be upward: 
However, v may or may not be zero.
F – mg = ma
48. (c)
F - mg velocity of centre of mass will remain unaffected as no external
fi a=
m forcer acts on system.
 8 Solutions

49. (d) t the highest point, the bomb has horizontal velocity. The smaller part
A
comes to rest, hence the larger part will move with higher horizontal
 1 ¥ iˆ + 2 ¥ 2 ˆj iˆ + 4 ˆj
vcm = = velocity (due to the momentum conservation in horizontal direction)
1+ 2 3 4m v0 = m ¥ 0 + 3mv fi v > v0
 1 2 17 In the vertical direction, both parts have no velocity, hence both will
vcm = 1 + 42 = = 1.37m/s
3 3 strike the ground simultaneously.

As the internal forces do not affect the motion of the center of mass, the
50. (d) center of mass hits the ground at the position where the original bomb
Since there is no external force, so centre of mass does not shift (projectile) would have landed.
compared to A.
R
51. (c)
m¥ + 3m x 0
xc.m. = R = 2 fi x0 = 70 m
As boy walks from left to right on the block, the block will recoil m + 3m
towards left. The friction acting on the block will act towards right.
Hence, the centre of mass of the boy and block will shift towards right. 57. (c)
Velocity of center of mass
Boy mwagon ¥ vwagon + mman ¥ vman
xblock
Block vcom =
(mwagon + mman )

(200)(2) + (80)(V )
f vcom = = 0 fi V = - 5 m/s
280
52. (b)   
As no external forces are acting on the system. The velocity of vman = vman, wagon + vwagon
centre of mass will be constant.   
vman, wagon = vman - vwagon fi - 5 - 2 = -7 m/s

1¥ 5 -1¥ 3
vcm = = 1 m/s 58. (a)
1+1
Initially Y-coordinate of centre of mass is zero. After explosion
Displacement of centre of mass Dxcm
Y-coordinate of centre of mass of the particles should be zero.
=1×2=2m
m 3
Hence, position of centre of mass = 5 + 2 = 7 m ¥ (15) - m (Y ) = 0 fi Y = - 5 cm
4 4
53. (a)
As in gravity free space displacement of centre of mass of man and 59. (c)
ball system should not move. If displacement of the ball be h than The mass move under the influence of gravitational pull which acts
the displacement of man in upward direction. along the vertical. Thus CM changes along vertical while it remains
mh ...(i) unchanged in the horizontal direction.
mh = Mh ¢ fi h ¢ =
M 60. (a)
Hence, the position of man from ground m (2h cot q + d )
Displacement of wedge Dxwedge = , towards left
È m˘ ( M + m)
H = h + h ¢ = h Í1 + ˙
Î M ˚ 61. (d)

m1x1 = m2x2
54. (a)
As no external force acts on system, so centre of mass will not move. 5Mx = M(5L – x) fi x = 5 L/6

55. (a) 62. (a)

If m1, m2 and m3 be the masses of the balls, the acceleration Let m and M be the respective masses of the person and the
corresponding to each ball is ‘g’. block, and let l be its length. Now, if x1 and x2 be the absolute
displacement of the person and the block and x that of the centre
m g + m2 g + m3 g
Acceleration of centre of mass will be a = 1 = g. of mass, then
m1 + m2 + m3
mx + mx2 mDx1 + mDx2
56. (b) x= 1 fi Dx =
m + M m+M
m
M

Since horizontal forces are absent, so Dx = 0

mDx1 + M Dx2 = 0 fi m (- ) + (m + M ) Dx2 = 0

 Center of Mass 9

m 67. (b)
Dx2 = x
m+M (m + m¢ ) = mx + m¢O
5
M
Similarly, Dx1 = m¢
m+M \ m + m¢ = 5, m¢ = 4 m, =4
m
63. (a)
Centre of mass will not shift in horizontal direction. Let 3m moves 68. (a)
a distance x on wedge in downward direction. 2m will also move on The centre of mass of man + disc shall always remain at the rest.
the other side in downward direction by a distance x. Then m0x1 Since the man is always at periphery of disc, the centre of disc shall
= m2x2 always be at distance R/3 from centre of mass of two body system.
3mxcos 45° = 2mxcos θ Hence, centre of disc moves in circle of radius R/3.
fi cosq = 3 /2 fi q = 30∞ 69. (b)
2 g - 1g 10
64. (a) a= = m/s2
    2 +1 3
 m1V1 + m2V2 V1 + V2 aiˆ + bjˆ
Vcom = = = (2)( A) - (1) a 10
m1 + m2 2 2 \ aCOM = = = m/s2 (downwards)

2 +1 3 9
 a + a2 3 ˆ ˆ
acom = 1 = (ai + bj )
2 2
 
Vcom is parallel to acom . Hence, path will be a straight line.

65. (b)
Friction force between the wedge and block is internal, i.e., a 2 kg 1 kg a
will not change motion of COM. Friction force on the wedge
by ground is external and causes COM to move towards right. 1
\ SCOM = aCOMt2
Gravitational force (mg) on block brings it downward, hence 2
COM comes down. 1 Ê 10 ˆ 2 20
=
Á ˜ (2) = m
66. (c) 2Ë 9 ¯ 9
Initial position of center of mass  = 2.22 m
  70. (a)
r = r = (6iˆ + 14 ˆj + 20kˆ) m
cm 0
Acceleration of system
Hence, xx = 6 m, ycm = 14 m and zcm = 20 m
mg sin 60∞ - mg sin 30∞
As there is no external force x on the system x-, y- and a=
z-coordinates of center of mass should not change. 2m
Let the coordinate of fourth part be (x, y, z) Here m = mass of each block
5 ¥ 10 + 3 ¥ 8 + 4 ¥ 4 + 6 x Ê 3 - 1ˆ
xcm = =6m or a=Á g
18 Ë 4 ˜¯
fi x=3m  
 ma1 + ma2
Now acom =
5 ¥ 20 + 3 ¥ 18 + 4 ¥ 10 + 6 y 2m
ycm = = 10 m
18
  Ê 3 - 1ˆ
Here a1 and a2 are Á g at the right angles.
fi y=
29
m Ë 4 ˜¯
3
 2 Ê 3 - 1ˆ
5 ¥ 9 + 3 ¥ 25 + 4 ¥ 20 + 6 z Hence, | acom | = a=Á ˜g
zcm = = 20 m 2 Ë 4 2 ¯
18
80 71. (c)
z= m
3 Let the tube displaced by x towards left, then

È 29 80 ˘ R
mx = m(R – x)  fi x =
ÍÎ3, 3 , 3 ˙˚ 2
72. (b)
Hence, position vector of fourth part Let the displacement of wedge be x (leftwards). Horizontal
 Ê 29 ˆ 80 ˆˆ displacement of A and B with respect to wedge is 10 cos 45° or 5 2
r4 = Á 3iˆ + j + k˜ m
Ë 3 3 ¯ cm (rightwards) or the horizontal displacement of A and B with

 10 Solutions

respect to ground is (5 2 - x ) cm rightwards. The centre of mass mv(t ) + mv(t )

VCM = = v(t ),( vt) being the instantaneous
of the whole system will not move in horizontal direction. Hence, 2m velocity.
(2m)x = ( 5 2 – x)(m + 2m) Just after the lower ball strikes ground and comes to rest:
or 5mx = 15 2 m mv(t ) v(t )
VCM = =
or x = 3 2 cm 2m 2
i.e., the velocity suddenly drops to half its value.
73. (c)
Hence, graphs (a) and (b) are chosen.
Taking the origin at the centre of the plank.
40 kg
After collision:
60 kg
A B m( g ) + m(0) g
aCM = =
m+m 2
smooth i.e., the slope (of v–t curve) should decrease to half.
40 kg
Hence, (b) is the best option.
60 cm
77. (c)
K.E. of C.OM. at height h′ is
1 2
(m + M ) vcm
x 2
1 2
= m vcm - mgh ¢
m1Dx1 + m2Dx2 + m3Dx3 = 0   (DxCM = 0) 2
(Assuming the centres of the two men are exactly at the axis shown.) From above expression, it is clear that K.E. of C.O.M. depends on h′.
60(0) + 40(60) + 40 (–x) = 0, x is the displacement of the block.
fi  x = 60 cm,  i.e.,  A and B meet at the right end of the 78. (c)
plank. In case I: The height of centre of mass of worm from ground h1 = 5 cm.
m1Dx1 + m2Dx2 + m3Dx3 = 0 (∵ DxCM = 0) In case-II: The height of centre of mass of IInd warm from ground.
The height of centre of mass of IInd warm from ground.
74. (b) 5 15
20 h2 = 5 ¥ = cm
vp = = 4 m/s 2 2
5
(xcm) = 0 Ratio of P.E. U1 : U 2 = mg h1 : mg h2   fi  U1 : U 2 = 5 : 15 = 2 : 3
2
40(v1 + 4) – 40(v2 – 4) + 20. (4) = 0 79. (b)
40(v1 – v2 + 10) = 0 Let x = displacement of center of mass of rod w.r.t. sphere along
v1 – v2 = – 10 x-axis, then
If v1 = 10 m/s, v2 = zero 2R R 2 R
x= cos 450 = =
v1 = 20 m/s, v2 = 10 m/s 2 2 2 2

v1 = 15 m/s, v2 = 5 m/s
75. (b)
Initially x-coordinate of centre of mass is:
(4 M )(0) + M (5 R )
x1 = = R (1)
4M + M
Let x0 be the x-coordinate of shell when the small sphere reaches the
other extreme position. Then finally x-coordinate of centre of mass is y = displacement of sphere w.r.t. ground
(4 M )( x0 ) + M ( x0 - 5 R ) x R
xf = = x0 - R (2) My = M ( x - y) fi y = =
4M + M 2 4

All the surfaces are smooth; therefore, centre of mass will not move
in x-direction. 80. (b)
\ xi = xf Horizontal distance between initial and final position of ball
or R = x0 – R 3
or x0 = 2R = R = R sin 300 = R
2
76. (b) Ê3 R ˆ
As both the balls are released simultaneously, at any instant before (9m) ¥ x = Á R - - x˜ ¥ m
Ë2 10 ¯
the lower balls reach the ground both have the same velocity; v = gt,
i.e., ‘v’ vs. ‘t’ is a straight line graph. or x = 0.14R
 Center of Mass 11

81. (b) 87. (b)

A is the point of projection, B is the highest point, C is the point at
which centre of mass will land, even if projectile has exploded into
three parts. D is the point at which third part will land.
Given CD = 3 3 m
Let CD be x. Take origin at C.
a m 3m a
R
mx = m + mR
2
mg 3mg
3
x= R = 30 3
2 3mg - mg g
a= =
R = 20 3 3m + m 2

Ê gˆ Ê gˆ
u2 sin 2q u2 3 3m Á ˜ + m Á - ˜
But R= = = 20 3 m a + m2 a2 Ë 2¯ Ë 2¯ g
g (2)(10) ac.m. = 1 1 = =
m1 + m2 3m + m 4
u = 20 m/sec.
82. (c) 88. (b)
From figure, only point ‘P’ will move in a circle (A)

y
a m 2m a

x
mg 2 mg

83. (a) (2 m - m)g g

a= =
At the instant end A hits the ground, centre ‘B’ of the rod lands at the (2 m + m) 3
point where end ‘O’ was initially. After ‘A’ lands on the horizontal
plane, in vertical as well as in horizontal direction there will be no Ê g ˆ Êg ˆj ˆ
2 m Á - ˆj ˜ + m Á ˜¯
motion of the centre as  Fx = 0.  Ë 3 ¯ Ë3 g ˆ
ac.m. = =- j
Hence, end ‘O’ will be at rest at that instant. 2m + m 9

84. (a)  g
Net force on A, FA = mg sin θ − ƒ ac.m. =
9
Net force on B, FB = Mg sin θ + ƒ
(B)
FA + FB ( M + m)g sin q a
aCOM = = = g sin q
( M + m) ( M + m)
m
85. (a) Smooth
Initially, vc.m. = 0
Since there is no external force, vc.m. remains same. Therefore vc.m. 2m a
is always zero.
2mg
86. (c)
2 mg 2g
Every physical system has associated with it a certain point a= =
whose motion characterises the motion of the whole system. 2m + m 3
When the system moves under an external force, then this point Ê 2 g ˆˆ Ê 2g ˆ
moves in the same way as a single particle would move under 2m Á - j + m Á iˆ ˜
the same external force. This point is called centre of mass. In  Ë 3 ˜¯ Ë 3 ¯ 4g ˆ 2g ˆ
ac.m. = =- j+ i
the given case, the acceleration acts in the downward direction, 2m + m 9 9
in the centre.
 12 Solutions


 2 5 (m + 2 m) uc.m. = (mu1 cos a + 2 mu2 cos b )iˆ
ac.m. = g
9 + (mu1 sin a - 2 m u2 sin b ) ˆj
(C)
= ux iˆ + uy ˆj
  1
xc.m. = ux iˆ t , ycm = uy t ˆj - gt 2 ˆj
a

2
2m

uy 2
° m a 1 gx
s
30 Trajectory y = x- , parabola
co ux 2 ux2
g 30° mg
m
2 90. (b)

In the following cases, Fext = 0, the system is initially at rest and
2 mg sin 30∞ - mg
a= =0 hence the location of center of mass is fixed.
2m + m
(i) Let the distance covered by the plank is d.

ac.m. = 0 m1x1 = m2x2

(D) 50(8 – d) = 150 d fi d = 2m
a
(i) is O.K.
a m
mg (ii) Let the distance traveled by boat is d.
m

A B sin 15(4 – d) = 45 d fi d = 1m
37
° Distance of boy from the bank of the river is
53°

53° 37°
(12 – 4) + d = 8 + 1 = 9 m
sin

(ii) is incorrect.
mg

(iii) Let the distance traveled by the boat be d.

mg sin 53∞ - mg sin 37∞ g 60(6 – d) = 40(6 + d) + 140 d
a= =
m+m 10
1
fi d= m = 50 cm
2
(iii) is O.K.
m0
(iv) m0h = mh¢ fi h¢ = h
m
Distance of man above the floor is
m(- a cos 53 iˆ - a sin 53∞ ˆj ) Ê m0 ˆ
h + h¢ = Á 1 + h
 + m(- a cos37∞ iˆ + a sin 37∞ ˆj ) Ë m ˜¯
ac.m. = (iv) is O.K.
m+m
91. (b)
1 È- a(cos 53∞ + cos 37∞) iˆ ˘ Initially when the system is at rest (i.e. vc.m. = 0) and the net external
  = Í ˙ force is zero, the location of center of mass is fixed. The particles
2 ÎÍ + a(sin 37∞ - sin 53∞) ˆj ˙
˚ will meet at center of mass (if the particles are treated as point
1 È Ê 7ˆ ˆ masses).
Ê 1ˆ ˆj ˘
  = Í- a ÁË ˜¯ i - a ÁË ˜¯ ˙ L
2Î 5 5 ˚ (i) Mx1 = Mx2, x1 + x2 = L fi x1 = x2 = = 5m
2
 a 5a g g
(ii)
ac.m. = 50 = 2= 2=
10 10 20 10 2
89. (c)
 
m1 = m, a1 = - gjˆ, m2 = 2 m, a2 = - gjˆ
 
 m1 a1 + m2 a2 - m gjˆ - 2 mgjˆ
ac.m. = = = - gjˆ
m1 + m2 3m

Mx = 5M(9R – x) fi x = 7.5 R
ac.m. = g, (i) is O.K.

 Center of Mass 13

(iii) 40 x = 60(10 – x) fi x = 6 m 98. (10)

mL As only force of gravity acts, so acceleration of centre of mass will
(iv) Mx = m(L – x) fi x = be g = 10 m/s2.
M+m
99. (2)
92. (b) Fext
L acm =
m +M¥0 mtotal
2 mL
(yc.m.)1 = = 0.2 ¥ (2 + 1) ¥ g
m+M 2(m + M ) = = 2 m/s 2
2 +1
When ice becomes water, as tray is large, the height of water is
negligible 100. (2)
(yc.m.)2 = 0 mAv A + mB vB 8 (3) + 4 (0)
vcm = = = 2 m/s
mL mA + mB 8+ 4
Shift = (yc.m.)1 – (yc.m.)2 =
2(m + M )
101. (250)
93. (d) The centre of mass will follow the same path.
Let d be the distance covered by the boat
40(10 – d) = 60d fi d = 4 m
Distance covered by the boy with respect to the ground is COM
10 – d = 6 m m m x m
R/2
Velocity of the boy w.r.t. the ground is R
R
6 mx = m + mR
= 3 m/s 2
2
3R 3 × 100
94. (d) or x = = = 150 m
2 2
(i) Since the location of center of mass is fixed
\ The desired distance is (100 + 150) m or 250 m.
d
2mx = m(d – x) fi x =
3 102. (5) m

(ii) Since the initial momentum of system is zero and it will For motion of centre of mass by using
always remain zero (since no external force) 1 2
20 m/s

v s = ut + at , we have 2m
0 = 2m vA – mvB fi vA = B 2
2 – 25 = 20 t – 5t2
(iii) 2mx1 = mx2 fi x2 = 2x1

25 m
 fi  t2 – 4t – 5 = 0 fi t = 5 s 40 m/s
(iv) vc.m. = 0 = constant m

95. (25) 103. (2)

 y
 Dv 10(3 ˆj - 4iˆ )
F = m cm = = 5(3 ˆj - 4iˆ )
Dt 2

| F | = 5 32 + 42 = 25 N m1 = 1 kg

96. (3.20) H = 10 cm
As no external force acting on the system, the displacement of h
centre of mass of the system should be zero. Let displacement of the ycm
x
trolley in opposite direction of motion of the man is x.
mDxman + M Dxtrolley
Hence Dxcm = 0 = The position of centre of mass of the system is ycm.
m+M
h
80 ¥ 4 m1 × H + m2 ×
80(1 ¥ 4 - x ) + 320(- x ) = 0, x = = 3.2 m ycm = 2
(320 + 80) m1 + m2
97. (10) where m1 = 1 kg, m2 =(0.4 × h × 103) kg = (400h) kg.

Mvcm = m1v1 + m2 v2 h
1 × H + (400 h) ×
2 = H + 200 h
2
ycm =
4 ¥ 0 + 10 ¥ 14 (1 + 400 h) (1 + 400 h)
vcm = fi vcm = 10 m/s
14
For ycm to be lowest (minimum),
 14 Solutions

dycm COM moves toward 30 cm right, so the system will move 30 cm

=0 toward left.
dh
200h2 + h –H = 0 105. (2)
h = 2 cm
104. (30)
A B

(0,0)
2 kg 4 kg
2m
x x

80 × 0 + 50 × 2 + 70 × 1 Centre of mass doesn’t shift.

Rcm1 =
200
17  L  L 
= ∴ 2  − + x + 6 x + 4  + x = 0
 2  2 
20
50 × 0 + 80 × 2 + 70 × 1 23 L
Rcm2 = = ∴ x= =2m
200 20 12
23 − 17 6
Rcm2 − Rcm1 = = = 0.3 = 30 cm
20 20

ARCHIVE
1. (b) 5mL
M 2mL + 2mL +
Mass of the hanging part = X cm = 2 = 13 Lxˆ
n 4m 8
æLö
2m ´ L + m ´ ç ÷ + m ´ 0
è2ø 5
= = Lyˆ
hcom
Ycm
CM L/n 4m 8

3. (a)

Displacement of centre of mass, a

Y
L a
hCOM =
B
C
2n
X

Work done W = mghCOM = æç ö æ L ö MgL

M
÷gç ÷ = 2
a D
è n ø è 2n ø 2n A
a
2. (a) ®
The acceleration of A, a A = - aiˆ
®

2m (L,L) The acceleration of B, aB = ajˆ

®
The acceleration of C, aC = aiˆ
®
m 2L, L
2 The acceleration of D, aD = - ajˆ
5L, 0 ® ® ® ®
2 ® ma aa + mb ab + mc ac + md ad
The acceleration of CM, acm =
2L m 3L ma + mb + mc + md
 Center of Mass 15

Let 1 kg as origin and x-y axis as shown

® - maiˆ + 2majˆ + 3maiˆ - 4majˆ
acm =
10m 1(0) + 1.5 (3) + 2.5 (0)
xcm = = 0.9 cm
2maiˆ - 2majˆ a ˆ a ˆ 5
= = i- j
10m 5 5 1(0) + 1.5 (0) + 2.5 (4)
ycm = = 2 cm
a 5
= (iˆ - ˆj )
5
7. (d)
4. (d)
Let us divide the lamina in two parts, m1 = 3kg and m2 = 1 kg
(0, b) (a, b)

3a , 3b
4 4
O

(0, 0) (a, 0)

a M 3a a 3a 5a
M - ´ -
x= 2 4 4 = 2 16 = 16 = 5a
M 3 3 12
M-
4 4 4
b M 3b Mass of plate-1 is assumed to be concentrated at (0.5, 1.5)
M - ´
y= 2 4 4 = 5b Mass of plate-2 is assumed to be concentrated at (1.5, 2.5).
M 12
M-
4 m1x1 + m2 x2 3 ¥ 0.5 + 1 ¥ 1.5
xcm = = = 0.75
m1 + m2 4
5. (c)
The coordinates of the centre of mass m1 y1 + m2 y2 3 ¥ 1.5 + 1 ¥ 2.5
ycm = = = 1.75
m1 + m2 4
Y
m3 = 150 g

(½, 3/2)
8. (c)
4
M 0 = p R3r
3
m1 = 50 g 60° m2 = 100 g
4
0 0.5 m 1.0 m M cavity = p (1)3 r
3
æ1 3 ö 4 4 4
0 + 150 ´ çç iˆ + ˆj ÷ + 100 ´ iˆ M (Remaining) = p R 3r - p (1)3 r = p R 3r ◊ R
® 2 2 ÷ 3 3 3
rcm = è ø
300
® 7 3ˆ
rcm = iˆ + j
12 4
æ7 3ö
\ Co-ordinate çç , ÷÷ m
è 12 4 ø
6. (b)

By concept of COM
Remaining mass × (2 – R) = Cavity mass × (R – 1)
Ê4 3 4 3 ˆ 4 3
ÁË p R r - p 1 r ˜¯ (2 - R ) = p 1 r ¥ ( R ¥ 1)
3 3 3

( R 3 - 1)(2 - R ) = R - 1

( R 2 + R + 1)(2 - R ) = 1

 16 Solutions

9. (c) L
Ê bx 2 ˆ
Taking an elemental mass at a distance x from left end of Ú ÁË a + L2 ˜¯
xdx
the rod, = 0
L
Ê bx 2 ˆ
Ú ÁË a + L2 ˜¯
dx
0

aL2 b L4
+ 2◊
= 2 L 4
b L3
aL + 2 ◊
L 3

xcm =
Ú xdm = Ú (l dx) x Ê 4a + 2b ˆ
ÁË ˜ L 3 ( 2a + b ) L
8 ¯
Ú dm Ú dm =
(3a + b)
=
4 (3a + b )
Position of centre of mass 3