CENTRE OF MASS PHYSICS - I B

CENTRE OF MASS
* Centre of mass of system of particles.
* Centre of mass of a rigid body.

2 *
*
Motion of centre of mass.
Characteristics of centre of mass

2.1 INTRODUCTION on the axil of the wheel follows a simple linear path.
In mechanics, the motion of objects is described This point ‘C’ represents centre of mass of the wheel
by treating objects as point masses or particles. This . This point ‘C’moves as if the total external force is
approximation, however can not be applied for all acting on it. The particle at centre of mass is
types of motions like spinning ball , explosion of exhibiting only simple translatory motion.
bomb etc., we have to consider the extended nature
of object, which may be rigid or non - rigid. These
systems can be treated as combination of particles.
Their motions can be studied without considering mg
the interactions between the particles by the concept
of centre of mass.
A A
Further, Newtons Laws of motion which are
stated only for point masses can also be applied for C

extended objects, as centre of mass represents motion A C

of entire system or object.
2.2. CENTRE OF MASS
Centre of mass of a body or a system is a C
point where entire mass of the body or the system A
is supposed to be concentrated to describe its
translatory motion and characterises the motion Consider an indian club, projected up as shown
of whole body. in the fig. Different particles inside the club follow
A different complicated paths, as they are under the
A
influence of both translatory and rotatory motion of
B B the body. But a particle at a point ‘C’. in the indian
C club follows a simple parabolic path, as if the total
C B C
external force i.e gravitational force, is acting on the
A particle. This point ‘C’ represents centre of mass of
the indian club which exhibits only simple parabolic
Rolling wheel motion.
For example, consider a wheel which rolls The path of particle at centre of mass point
on a horizontal surface. Let a particle at ‘A’ be present
represents the motion of the body, since it is similar
on the rim of the wheel. It follows a complicated
to the path followed by a particle projected similar
‘cycloid’ path, as they are under the influence of both
to the body.
translatory and rotatory motion of the body. Similarly
another particle at ‘B’ also follows a complicated From the above two examples, we can say that
path as shown in figure. But a particle at ‘C’ present different particles in a body may have different
complicated paths, but a certain point of the body
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has a simple pure translational motion. The motion 2.3. CO-ORDINATES OF CENTRE OF MASS
of this single point represents the motion of the entire OF DISCRETE SYSTEM OF PARTICLES
body. This point within the boundary of the body is (i) For two - particle system along a line [ One -
called the centre of mass or centre of inertia.
dimensional system]
Position of centre of mass of some symmetrical
bodies with uniform mass distribution Consider two point masses m1 and m2 situated
at distances x1 and x2 from origin on x - axis of co -
Figure Position of
Shape of the body Centre of mass ordinate system. Let ‘d’ be the distance of separation
between the masses
1.Hollow sphere
(or) At the centre of sphere Let xcm be the distance of centre of mass ‘C’
Solid sphere
from origin .Let r1 and r2 be distances of first and
second particle from centre of mass. Centre of mass
2.Circular ring At the centre of the ring
of a two particle system will be nearer to the heavier
mass. So the distance of centre of mass from any
3.Circular disc At the centre of disc particle is inversely proportional to the mass of
particle y
4.Triangular plate At the centriod d

At the point of intersection r1 r2

5.Square plate of diagonals o m1 c m2 x
x1
6.Rectangular plate At the point of intersection xcm
of diagonals
x2
7.Cone 3h At 3h th of its height from its
4 4
apex on its own axis 1 Þ r1 = m2
\ ra
8.Cylinder m r2 m1
At the mid point of its own
axis Þ m1r1 = m2 r2 .......... (1)
But from the above figure
r1 = xcm – x1 and r2 = x2 – xcm
Note :
Þ m1 [xcm - x1 ]= m2 [x2 - xcm ]
In these examples the centre of mass is within
the body. But the centre of mass need not be on the m x + m2 x2
Þ xcm = 1 1
body or within the material of body. For example m1 + m2 ............ (2)
the centre of mass of a uniform ring or a hollow sphere Also, the distance between particles
or a horse shoe magnet will be at their respective d = r1 + r2 and r2 = d – r1
centres where there is no mass, but will be within substituting in equation (1), we have
the boundaries of the system.
m1 r1 = m2 [ d – r1 ]

m2 d
Þ r1 = ...................(3)
m1 + m2
C C
m1 d
Similarly r2 = m + m ..............(4)
Ring Horse shoe Magnet 1 2

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Equations (3) & (4) represents distance of centre of the system from origin.
mass from the position of particle of mass m1, and Solution:
m(1) + 2m(2) + 3m(3) + ........ + (nm)n
from the position of particle of mass m2 respectively. x cm =
m + 2m + 3m + ........ + nm
If there are n - particles of masses m1 , m2 ,..... mn
m(12 + 2 2 + 32 + ...... + n 2 )
situated along x - axis having co - ordinates x cm =
m(1 + 2 + 3 + ....... + n)
x1, x2 , .... , xn respectively, then the x-co-ordinate of
æn(n + 1)(2n + 1) ö
their center of mass [xcm] is given by çç ÷
÷
çè 6 ÷
ø 2n + 1
Xcm = =
m1 x1 + m 2 x 2 ..... + m n x n æn(n + 1) ö 3
x cm = çç ÷
÷
m1 + m 2 + ..... + m n èç 2 ø÷
n n

å mi xi å mi xi Problem 2.3
Þ xcm = i= 1
= i= 1 When ‘n’ number of particles of m asses m ,
n
M 2m , 3m , ....nm are at distances x 1=1, x2 =4, x3 = 9,
å
i= 1
mi
...... xn = n2 units respectively from origin on the
n
x-axis, then find the distance of their centre of
Where å mi = M is the total mass of the system.
i= 1 mass from origin.
Problem 2.1 Solution:
m(1) + 2m(4) + 3m(9) + ......... + nm(n 2 )
If the distance between the centres of the x cm =
m + 2m + 3m + ...... + nm
atoms of potassium and bromine in KBr
(potassium -bromide) molecule is 0.282 ×10–9m, m(1 + 23 + 33 + ...... + n 3 )
=
find the centre of mass of this two particle system m(1 + 2 + 3 + ...... + n)
from potassium (mass of bromine = 80 u, and of æn(n + 1) ö
2

potassium = 39 u). çç ÷
èç 2 ÷ ø÷ n(n + 1)
Solution: Mass of bromine, mBr = 80 units = =
n(n + 1) 2 .
Mass of potassium, mK = 39 units
Position co-ordinate of potassium, xk = 0 2
Position co-ordinate of bromine, xBr = 0.282 × Problem 2.4
10–9m When ‘n’ number of particles each of mass
y-axis ‘m’ are at distances x1=1, x2=2, x3=3, ......xn=n units
from origin on the x-axis, then find the distance
of their centre of mass from origin.
cm Br
K m(1) + m(2) + m(3) + ....... + m(n)
Solution: x cm =
0.282 ×10–9m x-axis m + m + m + ....... + m(n terms)
æn(n + 1) ö
 Position co-ordinate of centre of mass, m ççç ÷
÷
m k x k  m Br xBr 39  0  80  0.282  109 m(1 + 2 + 3 + ....... + n) è 2 ÷ ø
xc   x  = =
m k  m Br c
39  80 nm nm
 xc = 0.189 × 10–9 m n+ 1
x cm =
2
Problem 2.2
Problem 2.5
When ‘n’ number of particles of masses m,
When ‘n’ number of particles each of mass
2m, 3m,..... nm are at distances x1=1, x2 =2, x3 =
‘m’ are at distances x1=a, x2 = ar, x3 = ar2..... xn =
3, ...... xn = n units respectively from origin on the
arn units from origin on the x-axis, then find the
x-axis, then find the distance of centre of mass of
distance of their centre of mass from origin.
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Solution: 10´ 2 + 30D x 2

ma + m(ar) + m(ar 2 ) + ...... + m(ar n ) 0= \ D x2 = - 2 3
x cm = 40
m + m + m + ...... + m(n terms) Therefore the second block should be moved
m(a + ar + ar 2 + ...... + ar n ) 2
x cm = left through a distance of cm to keep the position
mn 3
of centre of mass unchanged.
é n ù
1 êa (r - 1)ú a(r n - 1) Problem 2.7:
x
If r > 1 then cm = ê ú A 1 m long rod having a constant cross
n ê r - 1 ú= n(r - 1)
ë û sectional area is made of four materials. The first
0.2 m are made of iron, the next 0.3 m of lead,
1 éêa(1- r n ) ù
ú a(1- r n ) the following 0.2m of aluminium and the
x
If r < 1 then cm = =
n êë 1- r ú û n(1- r) remaining part is made of copper. Find the centre
Problem -2.6 of mass of the rod. The densities of iron, lead,
Two blocks of masses 10 kg and 30 kg are aluminium and copper are 7.9 × 103kg/m3,11.4 ×
103 kg/m3, 2.7 × 103 kg/m3 and 8.9 × 103 kg/m3
placed on x - axis. The first mass is moved on the
respectively.
axis by a distance of 2 cm. By what distance 1m
should the second mass be moved to keep the O Iron Lead Aluminium Copper
position of centre of mass unchanged. Solution: 0.2m 0.3m 0.2m 0.3
Solution: mass of the first block, m1 = 10kg 0.35m
mass of the second block, m2 = 30 kg 0.6m
Let x1 and x1¢are positions of m1 0.85m
x2 adn x1¢are positions of m2 mass(m) = volume(v) x density (d)
m = Area (A) x length (l) x density (d)
m = Ald
y-axis Mass of iron part, m1 = A × 0.2 × 7.9 ×103
= 1.58 × 103 A
Mass of lead part, m2 = A × 0.3 × 11.4 × 103
(0,0) (2,0) cm (x1 ,0 ) (x,0) x-axis = 3.42 × 103 A
Mass of aluminium part, m3 = A × 0.2 × 2.7 × 103
In this case if ‘xcm’ is the position of centre of = 0.54 × 103 A
m 1 x1 + m 2 x 2 Mass of copper part, m4 = A ×0.3 × 8.9 × 103
mass then x cm = m1 + m 2 = 2.67 × 103A
Co - ordinate of iron part from end “O” of the
then the new position of CM when blocks are rod, x1 = 0.1m
Co - ordinate of lead part from end “O” of the rod,
m 1x1¢+ m 2 x 2¢ x2 = 0.35m
shifted x ¢cm = m1 + m 2 Co - ordinate of aluminium part from end “O”
subtracting the above equations of the rod, x3 = 0.6m
m1 (x1¢- x1 )+ m 2 (x 2¢- x 2 ) Co - ordinate of copper part from end “O” of
x ¢cm - x cm = the rod,
m1 + m 2 x4= 0.85m
 Centre of mass of the rod,
m1D x1 + m 2D x 2
D x cm = m1x1  m 2 x2  m 3 x3  m 4 x 4
m1 + m 2 Xc 
m1  m 2  m 3  m 4

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m1x1  m 2 x2  m 3 x3
Þ Xcm =
(1.58´ 103 ´ 0.1+ 3.42´ 103 ´ 0.35 + 0.54´ 103 ´ 0.6 + 2.67´ 103 ´ 0.85)A xcm 
m1  m 2  m 3
(1.58´ 103 + 3.42´ 103 + 0.54´ 103 + 2.67´ 103)A
1
1 0  2 1 3  7
 X cm  0.481m from the end “O” of the rod.  xcm  2  x cm  m
1 2  3 12
ii) Centre of mass of a system of particles in m1y1  m 2 y 2  m3 y3
Ycm 
(two dimensional) Plane : m1  m 2  m 3
Consider n - particles in x - y plane having masses 3
1 0  2  0  3 3
m1, m2 , ..., mn with co ordinates  Ycm  2  Ycm  m
1 2  3 4
( x1 , y1 ), (x2 , y2 ),....(xn , yn ) respectively
 Co- ordinates of centre of mass (xcm, ycm)
Then the co - ordinates of centre of mass
 7 3 
 xcm , ycm  are   m, m
4 
 12
y
m5
Problem - 2.9
m1 C.M. Four particles of masses 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg and
(x1,y1) m2 4 kg are placed at the four vertices A,B, C and D
(xcm,ycm) (x2 ,y2)
m4
of the square of side 1 m. Find the position of
m3
(x3,y3)
centre of mass of the particles.
x
O n
Solution: Assuming A as the origin, AB as x-axis
å mi xi and AD as y-axis we have
m x + m2 x2 + ...... + mn xn
xcm = 1 1 = i= 1
Y
m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M
n (x3 , y 3 )= (1,1)
(x 4 , y 4 )= (0,1) D C m =3
å mi yi m4=4
3
and ycm = m1 y1 + m2 y2 + ...... + mn yn = i= 1

m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M
B
Also, distance of centre of mass from origin in a m1=1 A m2=2 X
(x1 , y1 )= (0, 0) (x2 ,y 2 )= (1,0)
plane is
d= 2
x cm 2
+ y cm Co-ordinates of their CM are
m 1 x1  m 2 x 2  m 3 x 3  m 4 x 4
Problem - 2.8 xCM =
m1  m 2  m 3  m 4
Find the position of centre of mass of the
(1)(0)  2(1)  3(1)  4(0)
system of 3 objects of masses 1 kg, 2kg and 3 kg = = 0.5m
1 2  3  4
located at the corner of an equilateral triangle of
side 1 m. Take 1 kg mass object at the origin and m 1 y1  m 2 y 2  m 3 y 3  m 4 y 4
2 kg along x-axis. Similarly, yCM =
m1  m 2  m 3  m 4
Solution: 1(0) + 2(0) + 3(1) + 4(1)
Y- axis = = 0.7m
1+ 2 + 3 + 4
m3 = 3kg   Co-ordinates of centre of mass (xCM, yCM)
1 3
(x3, y3)   , 
2 2  = (0.5 m, 0.7 m)
** Problem 2.10
Find position of centre of mass of four particle
x-axis system, which are at the vertices of a parallelogram,
m1 =1kg m2 = 2kg
(x1, y1) = (0,0) (x2, y2) = (1,0) as shown in figure.

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y m 1y1  m 2 y 2  m 3y 3  m 4 y 4
y cm 
m1  m 2  m 3  m 4

m m m(0)+ m(0)+ m(bsin q)+ m(bsin q)

ycm =
4m

b
2b sin q bsin q

b
m  y cm = =
m 4 2
a  Position co-ordinate [xcm, ycm] of centre of
Solution: Consider four particles of each of mass
 a  b cos  b sin  
‘m’ placed at the vertices of a parallelogram. Let a mass is  , .
 2 2 
and b be the length and breadth of parallelogram as
shown in figure and  be angle between a and b Case – I : If masses are arranged at vertices of a
rectangle then  = 900
In the parallelogram OABC, identical masses
 a  b cos 90 0 b sin 90 0 
‘m’ each are placed at its vertices.   x cm , y cm    , 
 2 2 
From triangle OCD
a b
DC = b sin  , OD = b cos  . = , 
2 2
 the co-ordinates of vertix C [x4, y4] = Case – II : If masses are arranged at vertices of a
y [b cos  , b sin  ] square, then  = 900 and lengths of sides are equal
 b cos , bsin   a  b cos , bsin  a a 
mc m (a = b).   x cm , y cm    , 
B 2 2
b

iii) Centre of mass of a system of particles in

b

m  
D A E (Three dimensional) Space :
O
a (a,o) x
(o,o) Consider n - particles in space having masses m1 ,
from triangle ABE m2 ........ , mn with co - ordinates
(x1, y1 , z1 ), (x2, y2 , z2 )....... (xn, yn , zn )
BE = b sin  AE = b cos 
respectively.
and OE = OA + AE = a + b cos  Then position co - ordinates of centre of mass
 The co-ordinates of vertix B [x3 y3] = (xcm,ycm,zcm) are expressed as n

m1 x1 + m2 x2 + ...... + mn xn åi= 1 i i
[a+b cos  , b sin  ] mx
Also co-ordinates of vertices O (x1, y1) = [0, 0] xcm = =
m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M
and A (x2, y2) = [a, 0] n

we know, x - co-ordinate of centre of mass m y + m2 y2 + ...... + mn yn å mi yi

m x  m 2 x 2  m 3 x3  m 4 x 4 ycm = 1 1 = i= 1

x cm  1 1 m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M
m1  m 2  m 3  m 4 n

m1 z1 + m2 z2 + ...... + mn zn åi= 1 i i
m  0   m  a   m  a  b cos   m  b cos  mz
x cm 
4m zcm = =
m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M
X cm =
2a + 2b cos q
, x cm 

a  b cos   Also, distance of centre of mass from origin in space
4 2 2 2 2
we know y – co-ordinate of centre of mass is is d = x cm + ycm + z cm

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*Problem - 2.11 Note :2.1 If the origin of co-ordinate system is at


If the centre of mass of three particles of centre of mass, i.e., rCM = 0 , then by definition
masses of 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg is at (2,2,2), then where  
should a fourth particle of mass 4 kg be placed (1/M) S mi ri = 0 or S mi ri = 0
so that the combined centre of mass may be at i.e., the sum of the moments of the masses of
(0,0,0). particles in a system about its centre of mass is
Solution: Let (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) always zero.
be the positions of masses 1kg, 2kg, 3kg and let the The total moment of centre of mass of the
co-ordinates of centre of mass of the three particle 
system(M r cm ) about the orgin is equal to the vector
system is (xcm, ycm, zcm)respectively. 
sum of mass moments of all particles (å mi r i ) of
m1x1  m 2 x2  m 3 x3
xcm  the system about the origin
m1  m 2  m 3  
1  x1  2  x 2  3  x 3
Mr cm = å m i r i
2 , (or) x1 + 2x2 + 3x3 = 12
1 2  3 *Problem 2.12
...........(1) A system consists of three particles located at
Suppose the fourth particle of mass 4kg is the corners of a right triangle as shown in the
placed at (x4, y4, z4) so that centre of mass of new figure. Find the position vector of centre of mass
system shifts to (0,0,0). For X- co - ordinate of new of the system. Y
centre of mass we have
3m
1  x1  2  x 2  3  x 3  4  x 4
0 Solution :
1 2  3  4 h
x1 + 2x2 + 3x3 + 4x4 = 0 ................(2) 2m
From equations (1) and (2) O m
d b
12 + 4x4 = 0  x4 = –3
Similarly, y4 = –3 and z4 = –3 Using the equation
Therefore 4 kg should be placed at (–3, –3, –3). å mx 2md + m(b + d)+ 3m(d + b)
iv) Position vector of Centre of mass
Xc =
M
i i
=
6m
= d+ 2 b
3 ( )
   
Let r1 , r2 , r3 ....rn be the position vectors of n- å mi yi 2m (o)+ m (o)+ 3mh h
Yc = = =
particles having masses m1, m2, .....mn respectively. M 6m 2

If rcm is position vector of their C.M, then Zc = 0; because the particles are in X - Y plane
Y m1 we can express the position of centre of mass from
m2
   C.M the origin using a position vector as
r1 r2 rc.m
 æ 2 ö÷ h 

mn rc = X c i + Yc j + Z c k , rc = çççèd + 3 bø÷
÷i + 2 j

rn *Problem 2.13
O X
n
 The position vectors of three particles of

  
m r + m2 r2 + ...... + mn rn å mi r1 mass m1 = 1 kg, m2 = 2 kg and m3 = 4 kg are
rcm = 1 1 = i= 1
 
m1 + m2 + ...... + mn M r1 = i + 4 j + k m,
( ) r2 = i + j + k m,
( ) and
Where
  
r1 = x1iˆ + y1 ˆj + z1kˆ , r2 = x2iˆ + y2 ˆj + z2 kˆ and r = (2i -
3
j - 2k )m respectively. Find the position

rn = xniˆ + yn ˆj + zn kˆ vector of their centre of mass.

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Solution : represented by a single force equal to weight of that

The position vector of centre of mass of the body. The point where this force acts is called centre
three particles
 is given
 by  of gravity and the line along which resultant weight
 m r + m2r2 + m3r3 acts is called line of action.
rc = 1 1
m1 + m2 + m3 1. The centre of mass describes the motion of the
         entire system and centre of gravity describes the
( ) ( ) (
 1 i + 4 j + k + 2 i + j + k + 4 2i - j - 2 k
rc =
) stability of bodies.
1+ 2 + 4 2. For different positions of a body, the line of action
(11i + 2 j - 5k
) 1
= = 11i + 2 j - 5k m
( ) will be different but centre of gravity position is
7 7 same.
v) Position of Centre of mass of continuous mass 3. Centre of mass and centre of gravity coincide
distribution (Rigid bodies). for small bodies as gravitational field is uniform
If a system has continous distribution of mass 4. But for very huge bodies centre of gravity lies
treating the mass element ‘dm’ at position r as a below the centre of mass due to non uniformity
point mass and replacing the summation by of gravitational field.
 1 
integration rcm = ò rdm . So that 2.5. MOTION OF CENTRE OF MASS
M
1 Let us consider the motion of the system of ‘n’
x cm = x dm
Mò
particles of individual masses m1,m2.....mn and total
mass M. It is assumed that no mass enters or leaves
1 1
y cm = ò y dm and z cm = z dm the system during its motion, so that M remains
M Mò constant.
2.4 CENTRE OF GRAVITY
Velocity of centre of mass :
The point, from where the resultant
gravitational force of attraction or weight of the The, instantaneous position vector of centre of mass
body acts is called centre of gravity. is   
(or)  m1 r1  m 2 r2  ......  m n rn
rCM 
The point in a body where it should be supported m1  m 2  ......m n
by an external force to keep the body in static   
 m1 r1 + m 2 r2 + ...... + m n rn
equillibrium is called centre of gravity. rcm =
M
   
F=W or MrCM  m1 r1  m 2 r2  .....  m n rn
Differentiating both sides with respect to time t.
wedge we have
   
drCM dr1 dr2 drn
W M  m1  m2  .......m n
dt dt dt dt

dr1
W Since, = Velocity
Weights of all the particles of a body can be dt
   
replaced by the total weight W acting at the centre \ M v CM  m1v1  m 2 v 2  ......  m n v n ..............(i)
of gravity.   
 m1v1  m 2 v2  .......  m n v n
In case of a rigid body or a system of particles, vCM 
every particle is attracted towards the centre of the M
n
earth by the force of gravity due to earth. The forces 
on all the particles will be almost parallel to each or v  i 1
 m i vi
CM
other. The resultant of all these parallel forces can be M
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Note 2.2 : For two particle system velocity of centre Further , in accordance with Newton's second
of mass.  
  law of motion F = ma . Hence, Equation (ii) can be
 m v + m2 v2
written as
vcm = 1 1  n

m1 + m2    
a) If particles move in same direction. Then
FCM  F1  F2  .......Fn or CM F = å Fi
 i= 1
magnitude of velocity of centre of mass from FCm = å Fexternal + å Finternal
parallelogram law of vectors is
m v + m2 v2 But å Finternal = 0 as all internal forces cancel
vcm = 1 1
m1 + m 2 each other because they are action reaction pairs.
 
b) and if they move in opposite direction then \ F cm = å F external
m1v1 +m2 (-v2 ) Thus, the centre of mass of a system of particles
vcm =
m1 +m2 moves as if it was a particle of mass equal to that of
c) If they move perpendicular to each other then the whole system with all the external forces acting
2 2
directly on it.
(m1v1 ) + (m2 v2 )
vcm = *Problem 2.14
m1 + m 2
Two 3 kg masses have velocities v1 = 2 i + 3 j m / s
Momentum of centre of mass :
Further from equation (1), and v2 = 4 i - 6 j m / s . Find a) velocity of centre
    of mass, b) the total momentum of the system,
M v CM  m1v1  m 2 v 2  ......  m n v n c) The velocity of centre of mass 5s after application
  of a constant force F = 24 i N , d) position of
mv = p is momentum of a particle.
Therefore, Equation (i) can be written as centre of mass after 5s if it is at the origin at t = 0
    Solution :
MvCM = p1 + p2 + ........ + pn
 
  
n
  m1v1 + m2v2  3(2i + 3 j )+ 3(4i - 6 j )
MvCM = pCM Þ pCM   pi a) vc = , vc =
i 1
m1 + m2 6
The total momentum (Pcm) of the systemis equal \ Velocity of centre of mass Vc = 3i - 1.5 j ms- 1 .

to the product of total mass of the system M and the b) The momentum of the system
velocity vcm of the centre of mass of the system. In
other words the motion of many particle system can = Mvc = 6kg 3i - 1.5 j ms- 1 = 18i - 9 j kgms- 1
( )
be viewed as a single particle of mass M moving c) To find the velocity of centre of mass after 5 s of
with velocity Vcm. 
application of the force F = 24iN  we first find the
Acceleration of centre of mass : acceleration of the centre of mass. It is given by
Further from equation (1), 
     F 24i
M v CM  m1v1  m 2 v 2  ......  m n v n ac = = = 4i ms- 2
Differentiating Equation (1) with respect to time, M 6
we get The velocity of centre of mass before the force
   
dvCM dv1 dv 2 dv n 
M  m1  m2  ......  m n is applied is vc .
dt dt dt dt
    and from the equation vc ¢= vc + ac .t
Ma CM  m1a1  m 2 a 2  ........  m n a n

vc ¢= 3i - 1.5 j + 4i 5 = 3i - 1.5 j + 20i
( )
n

   

mia i ( ) ( )
 m a  m 2 a 2  .......  m n a n 
, a CM  i1 
a CM  1 1
M M Vc1 = 23i - 1.5 j ms- 1
( )
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d) From the equation of the position vector 2 kg is on top of the building \ x2 = 30 m

   1 
r = r0 + v0t + at 2 where r0 = 0 (origin at t = 0);
2kg
m x + m2 x2 A
2 x cm = 1 1
    m1 + m 2
v0 = vc ; a = ac and t = 5 s Initial position
ucm
of CM
 1
r = 3i - 1.5 j 5 + 4i 25
( ) ( ) 0 + 2´ 30
2 = 10cm
4+ 2 B
     = 65i - 7.5 j m
(
r = 15i - 7.5 j + 50i )\ r ( ) = 10 m 4kg

The coordinates of the centre of mass after 5 s of \ Initial height of CM = 10m.

application of the force F are (65 m, – 7.5 m) m1u1 + m 2 u 2
Initial velocity of CM, ucm = m1 + m 2
Problem 2.15
4´ 15 + 0
Find the acceleration of center of mass of the ucm = = 10 m/s upward.
blocks of masses m1 and m2 (m1 > m2) in Atwood’s 4+ 2
machine: Acceleration of CM, a cm = g = 10 m/s2
Solution: We know from Newton’s laws of motion downwards
magnitude of acceleration of each block \ Maximum height attained by CM from initial
æm1 - m2 ö÷ u 2cm 10 2
ç
a = çç m + m ÷ ÷g
÷ h
position, cm = = =5m
è 1 2ø 2g 20
m1a + m2 (- a) \ Maximum height attained by CM of 4 kg and 2
acm =
m1 + m2
a kg from the ground = 10 + 5 = 15 m
a
Problem 2.17
æm - m2 ö÷ m2
acm = ççç 1 ÷
÷a Two masses m1 and m2 are connected by a
è m1 + m2 ø÷ m1 spring of force constant k and are placed on a
frictionless horizontal surface. Initially the spring
æm - m2 öæ ö
acm = ççç 1 ÷
÷çç m1 - m2 ÷
÷g is stretched through a distance x0, when the
÷
÷ç m1 + m2 ø÷
÷
è m1 + m2 øè 2
system is released from rest. Find the distance
æm - m2 ö÷ moved by two masses before they again comes to
\ Accleration of centre of mass acm = çç 1 ÷g
çè m1 + m2 ø÷
÷ rest.
Note 2.3 : The magnitude of displacement of centre Solution :
k 0
1 2
of mass in time ‘t’ is scm = acm t .
2 m2 m1
Problem 2.16
An object A is dropped from rest the top of 0 + x0
a 30m high building and at the same moment
m2 m1
another object B is projected vertically upwards
with an initial speed of 15 m/s from the base of
the building. Mass of the object A is 2 kg while 0 - x0
mass of the object B is 4 kg. Find the maximum m2 m1

height above the ground level attained by the

centreofmass oftheAand Bsystem(takeg =10 m/s2)
Solution : m1 = 4kg, m2 = 2 kg D x1 D x2
Initially 4 kg is on the ground \ x1 = 0

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Blocks again come to rest when spring is

compressed by x0. Since no external force is acting
on the system, so there is no change in the position
of c.m. of the system. i.e. xcm  0 .
Let mass m1 displaces by x1 and m2 displaces
by x2 , then
We have x1  x2  2 x0 .............. (i) The centre of mass of the fragments of the projectile
m1x1  m2 x2 continues along the same parabolic path which it would
and xcm  m1  m2
have followed if there were no explosion.
Example 2:- In case of Earth Moon system, both
m1x1  m2 x2 Earth and Moon move in their circular paths about
As xcm  0  m1  m2
 0 .........(ii)
their centre of mass, always being on opposite sides
of it. Earth is very huge compared to Moon so,
After solving equation (i) & (ii), we get centre of mass of the system is located very nearer to
2m2 x0 2m1 x0 the centre of the Earth and inside the Earth. The
x1  , x2  interaction of the Earth and Moon does not affect
m1  m2 m1  m2
 the motion of the centre of mass of the Earth-Moon
 
Note 2.4: If Fext = 0, aCM = 0, i.e, vCM = Cons tan t system. The gravitational attraction of the Sun is the
i.e, , if no external force acts on a system ( or only considerable external force that acts on the
resultant external force acting on a system is zero) Earth-Moon system, and the centre of mass of the
the velocity of its centre of mass remains constant, Earth-Moon system moves in an elliptical path round
the Sun.
i.e, velocity of centre of mass is unaffected by Moon
CM
internal forces. So , if the centre of mass of a system E
is at rest it will remain at rest unless acted on by an
external force. Sun
Example:- 1: Explosion of a projectile (e.g fire
cracker) in mid air. Note 2.5 : If two masses strating from rest move
Let us consider a projectile which explodes in under mutual force of attraction towards each
air. Before explosion, the projectile moves along a other, then they meet at their centre of mass.
 
parabolic path. After explosion, different fragments 1) In this case V cm = 0, a cm = 0
move in different paths, but the centre of mass of the 2) If the two particles are m1 and m2 and their
projectile continues to move in the same parabolic  
velocities at certain instant are v1 and v 2 , then
path.  
 m1 v1 + m2 v 2  
Explanation : The projectile follows a parabolic as v cm = 0 = 0 Þ m v
1 1 + m 2 2 = 0
v
m1 + m 2
path under the action of gravity (i.e. earth’s  
gravitational force). Explosion of the projectile occurs m1 v1 = - m 2 v 2 .
due to the internal forces only i.e. without any external 3) If the two particles
 at
 certain 
instant
 have
force. These internal forces cannot change the total accelerations a1 and a 2 then as a cm = 0
momentum of the system although they may change  
m1 a1 + m 2 a 2  
the momenta of the individual fragments. Thus the = 0\ ma =- m a
m1 + m 2 1 1 2 2
centre of mass will remain unaffected after the 4) If s1 and s2 are the distances travelled before
explosion and hence follows the same parabolic path. they meet, then m1s1 = m2s2

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Problem 2.18 As the system is initially at rest and no external


A projectile is fired at a speed of 100 m/s at force acts on the system (horizontally) \ vCM = 0 .
an angle of 370 above the horizontal. At the  
mv1 + Mv2  
highest point, the projectile breaks into two parts (or) = 0 (or) mv1 + Mv2 = 0
m+ M
of mass ratio 1 : 3, the smaller piece coming to  
D r1 D r2  
or m +M = 0 (or) mD r1 + M D r2 = 0
rest. Find the distance from the launching point dt dt
to the point where the heavier piece lands.  
or md1 – Md2 = 0 [ as d 2 is opposite to d1 ]
Sol : Internal forces do not affect the motion of the md1 = Md2
centre of mass, the centre of mass hits the ground at
Now when man moves a distance L towards
a position where the original projectile would have
the shore relative to boat, the boat will shift a distance
landed. The range of the original projectile is d2 relative to shore opposite to the displacement of
4m
man. The displacement of man relative to shore
m
(towards shore) will be
(0 ,0 )
x1 CM 3m
x cm
d1 = L – d2 (i.e., d1 + d2 = drel = L)
x2
so, md1 = Md2 Þ m(L – d2) = Md2
3 4
2 2´ 104 ´ ´ mL
2u sin q cos q 5 5 m = 960m hence d 2 =
x CM = = M+m
g 10
The centre of mass will hit the ground at this Note 2.6 :Distance walked by the man relative to
position. As the smaller block comes to rest after the shore or water is (L – d2).
breaking, it falls down vertically and hits the ground Simillary if VB= velocity of boat relative to
at half of the range, i.e., at x = 480 m. If the heavier shore, and V= velocity of man relative to the boat,
block hits the ground at x2, then then on differenciating above equation with time, then
m1x1 + m 2 x 2 (m)(480)+ (3m )(x 2 )
x CM = Þ 960 = mV
m1 + m 2 (m + 3m) VB =
M+m
\ x 2 = 1120m
Application 2.2
Application 2.1
A block of mass m is placed on the top of a
A man of mass ‘m’ is standing on a boat of
wedge of mass M and the system is placed on a
mass M which is at rest in still water. If the man
horizontal surface. Base length of the wedge is
walks a distance L on the boat towards the shore
L. If all the surfaces are smooth, by the time the
the boat moves back through a distance,
mL block reaches the bottom, displacement of the
d2 =
m+ M V mL
wedge is x =
m+ M
VB cm L
Proof : Proof : Consider a wedge of mass M. and base length
L resting on a horizontal surface.
A small block of mass ‘m’ is on the top of the
d2
V wedge . All surfaces are smooth .
VB L cm As the block slides down the incline plane, the
wedge displaces backwards.

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CENTRE OF MASS
m ycm 
M
x x
L
Here, centre of mass displaces only in vertical
direction due to external gravitational force. But,
since there is no external force along horizontal
direction center of mass will not be displaced in that
direction, So, by principle of moments
m1x1 = m2x2
m[L-x] = Mx
Where x and (L-x) are horizontal displacements
of block and wedge respectively
mL
\ displacement of wedge is x = M + m
Application 2. 3
A balloon of mass M, the light rope and a
monkey of mass m as shown in figure are at rest
in air. If the monkey reaches the top of the rope
of length L then balloon descends by a distance
mL
M+ m
Proof: Let the C.M.of monkey ascends by y1 while
C.M. of balloon descends by y2 , where
y1  L  y2 .
As the whole
 system (balloon + monkey) is at
rest, so Fnet  0 . Therefore the position of C.M.
will not change, i.e ycm  0 . Thus we have
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
PHYSICS - I B
m1y1  m2 y2 m  L  y2   M  y2 

m1  m2 mM
 mL 
After solving y2   
mM 
2. 6 CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRE OF MASS
i) The centre of mass of a system of particles
depends only on the masses of the particles and
their relative positions. For an object having
continuous mass distribution it depends on the
shape and its mass distribution.
ii) Sum of the moments of masses of the system of
particles about the centre of mass is zero.
n
å mi xi = 0
i= 1
iii) A mass particle need not be present at the
position of the centre of mass. The centre of
mass of a uniform ring lies at its centre where
no mass particle is present.
iv) The location of centre of mass is independent
of the reference frame used to locate it.
v) If no external force acts on the system, the centre
of mass of the system may be at rest or moving
with uniform velocity.
vi) Position of centre of mass does not change due
to the internal forces in the system.
vii) The centre of mass undergoes only translatory
motion. It does not exhibit rotatory motion.
viii) Newton’s second law of motion can be used to
determine the motion of centre of mass.
2. 7 METHODS TO LOCATE CENTRE OF MASS
The position of centre of mass can be located
by using four methods.
They are
(a) Method of symmetry
(b) Method of decomposition
(c) Method using theorem of pappus
(d) Method of integration
a) Method of Symmetry :
In case of circular hoop, the centre of mass lies
at its centre. Here at the location of centre of mass
no material is present. Hence from this example we
can say that mass may or may not exist at the centre
of mass.
52
PHYSICS - I B CENTRE OF MASS

For a homogeneous sphere, centre of mass lies of mass of the system from centre of mass of first
at its geometric centre, because of its symmetry the rod of length L1 is given by
sum of moments of mass about its centre is zero
i.e., r dm  0
Due to planar symmetry the centre of mass of
solid homogeneous sphere lies in the plane of
symmetry ie., on the radius normal to its plane face.
Proof:
The centre of mass of an equilateral triangle is
at its centroid. and where is the mass
Application 2.4 per unit length of the uniform rods.
If two circular discs of radii r1 and r2 of same If origin is taken at the centre of first rod then
material are kept in contact then the distance of x1=0 and x2=L2/2.
centre of mass of system from centre of a disc of
radius r1 is given by

r1 r2
r 2 (r + r ) Note2.7 : If L1 = L2 = L then
x cm = 2 2 1 22 cm
r1 + r2
Application 2.7
Proof: m1 = p r12r t ; m 2 = p r22r t where r is If two cylinders of lengths L1 and L2, radii r1
and r2 made up of same material are kept in
density of the material and t is the thickness.
contact as shown in the figure, then distance of
If origin is taken at centre of first disc then x1 = centre of mass of the system from the centre of
0 and x2 = (r1+r2). first cylinder is given by
m x + m 2 x 2 r22 (r1 + r2 )
x cm = 1 1 = 2
m1 + m 2 r1 + r22
Application 2.5
If two spheres of radii r1 and r2 of same
material are kept in contact, then the distance of
centre of mass of the system from centre of a Proof: , where is the
sphere of radius ‘r1’ is given by density of the material. If origin is taken at centre of

r23 (r1 + r2 ) r2 first cylinder then x1=0,

x cm = 3 r1
r1 + r23
cm
.
4 3 4
Proof: m1 = p r1 r and m 2 = p r23 r where r is Application 2.8
3 3
density of the material. If origin is taken at centre of If a wire of length ‘ ’ is bent in the form a
first sphere, then x1 = 0 and x2 = (r1 + r2). circular ring then the shift in center mass is
m x + m 2 x 2 r23 (r1 + r2 ) .
\ x cm = 1 1
m1 + m 2 = r13 + r23
Application 2.6 Proof:
If two thin uniform rods of lengths L1 and
L2 of same material are joined to form ‘T’ shape
Shift in the position of centre of mass,
as shown in the figure, then the distance of centre

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Application 2.9 Let the mass per unit area be s . We divide the
If a uniform rod of length L is bent at the mid structure into parts 1, 2 and 3. The mass of part 1 is
point so that the two halves are inclined by an angle 300 s , mass of part 2 is 200 s and that of part 3 in
100 s .
q with each other then the shift in center of
The coordinates of centre of mass of part 1 are
L æq ö
mass, x = C os çç ÷ . (5, 15); that of part 2 are (20, 5); and that of part 3
4 çè 2 ÷
÷
ø are (15, 25)
A

Proof: Using the Eq. 6.6 (a) or (b)

C1
(300s )5 + (200s )20 + (100s )15
xcm = » 11.7
L/4

x
C
600s
A
CM
B
O
q/2
B (300s )15 + (200s )5 + (100s )25
O
L/4 C2
ycm = » 13.3
600s
From the above figure C1 is centre of mass of OA,
In vector notation rcm = 11.7 i + 13.3 j
C2is centre of mass of OB,
C centre of mass of the rod = mid point of C1 C2 *Problem- 2.20
AOB = q so COC2 = q / 2 since C1C = C2C A uniform sheet of steel is cut into the shape
as shown. Compute the X and Y co-ordinates of
OCC 2 = 90 0 From triangle OCC2 the centre of mass of the piece.
æq ö x 40 40
\ Cos çç ÷ ÷=
çè 2 ø÷ L / 4
L q
\ Shift in centre of mass, x= cos
4 2
Note 2.8 : If the angle between the two parts is
L
900 , then the shift in centre of mass is x =
4 2
b)Method of decomposition 20 60
This method is to find the centre of some
surfaces which can be divided into smaller parts (Ans : (Xcm, Ycm) = (22.5, 17.5))
having regular shapes. c)Pappus theorems
Any part of the surface may be replaced by These theorems are very useful in locating the
representative particle whose mass is equal to that
centre of mass of bodies whose surface and volume
part and its position is the co-ordinates of its centre
of mass. formulae are known.
1st Theorem
*Problem 2.19 The volume generated due to the revolution
A uniform piece of metal sheet is cut in the
of a closed plane area about an axis (such that
form as shown in the fig. Locate the center of
mass of the piece. every point moves perpendicular to the plane)
Solution : equals to the area of the plane times the
y y circumference of the circle described by the centre
of mass of the plane.
30 30

20 20
3
If ‘V’ is the volume generated and ‘S’ is the
10 10
2
surface area then V = S × 2X c where ' Xc' is the
1
0 10 20 30
x
0 10 20 30
x distance of centre of mass from the axis.
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Application 2.10 d) Method of integration

Distance of centre of mass of a semi circular For bodies having continuous distribution of
4r mass, centre of mass is located by using integration
disc of radius ‘r’ from its centre is x c = . method.
3p
If a small element of mass ‘dm’ is taken at a
Proof : Consider a semi circular plate of radius ‘r’. distance ‘x’ from a point on the body then, distance
r 2
Its area s  . If this plate is rotated once about of centre of mass of that body from the same point is
2
the line passing parallel to its diameter, it describes a
4 3 x cm =
ò dm x .
sphere of volume, V  r . Let the centre of mass M
3
** Application 2.12
lie at a distance ' X c ' from the centre of the semi
Distance of centre of mass of a uniform cone
circular plate. The centre of mass moves through
of height ‘h’ and base radius R, from the vertex
' 2 X c then by pappaus theorem we can write 3h
on the line of symmetry is
r 2 4
V  2Xc
2 Proof: Consider a cone of height ‘h’ base radius
4 r 2 xc ‘R’ and density r . To find centre of mass of a cone
 r 3   2X c O imagine a small element of radius ‘r’ and thickness
3 2 cm
4r r ‘dx’ at a distance x from ‘O’. Mass of small element,
 Xc 
3 dm = (p r 2 )dx r .
II nd Theorem
The surface area generated by revolution of a dx
plane curved line about an axis (such that every r R
point moves perpendicular to the line of the curve) From figure x O¢ cm O¢

is equal to the product of length of the line and the

r x Rx
distance through which the centre of mass moves. = Þ r= h
R h h
If S is the surface area generated and  is the ò (p r 2 r dx)x
length of the line then S =  ´ 2p x C
x cm =
ò dm x
= 0
where xC is distance of centre of mass from the 2

axis.
ò dm ò p r dx r
h h
Application 2.11 æR 2 x 2 ö
ò çççè h2 ÷÷÷øx dx
3
Distance of centre of mass of a semi circular ò x dx
0 0
2r = h
= h
ring of radius R from its centre is x c = R x2 2
2
p ò dx ò x dx
Proof: Consider a wire which is bent in the form 0
h2 0
of a semi circle of radius ‘R’. If it is rotated once æx 4 öh
çç ÷ h4
perpendicular to the line of the curve it sweeps out a çè 4 ÷
÷
ø 3h
sphere. Then by pappus theorem we can write x cm = 0
h
= 43 =
æx 3 ö h 4
surface area = length × distance the centre of çç ÷ ÷
çè 3 ÷
ø0 3
mass moves 3h
\ Centre of mass of cone is at a distance
4
 4R2  R  2X c xc
cm O from vertex on its line of symmetry.
R
2R Note : 1) The centre of mass of a uniform solid
 Xc 
 hemisphere lies on the radius perpendicular to its

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CENTRE OF MASS PHYSICS - I B

3 Note: 2.10 If the density of rod varies linearly with x

plane face at a distance. R
8
3 then l = Bx & A = 0
R
from the center, where R is 8
R 2L
X CM =
radius of the hemisphere. 3
** Problem: 2.22
2) The centre of mass of a
If the linear density of a rod of length L varies
uniform hollow cone is on
cm kx 2
as l = where k is a constant and x is the
2 2h/8 L
the axis at a distance h distance of any point from one end, then find the
3
distance of centre of mass from the end at x = 0.
from the vertex.
Solution: Let the x-axis be along the length of the
** Problem 2.21 rod and origin at one of its ends. As rod is along x–
If the linear density of a rod of length L varies axis, for all points on it y and z co-ordinates are zero.
y
as l = A+Bx , find the position of its centre of
mass. x
Solution: Let the x-axis be along the length of the O
x
rod and origin at one of its ends. As rod is along x– dx
axis, for all points on it y and z co-ordinates are zero. z L
y

x
Centre of mass will be on the rod. Now
consider an element of rod of length dx at a
O distance x from the origin, then
x
dx
z L
Kx 2
dm = l dx = dx
L
Centre of mass will be on the rod. Now consider L L
an element of rod of length dx at a distance x from kx 2
the origin, then ò xdm ò x
L
dx
0 0
so, X CM = L = L
dm = l dx = (A + Bx )dx kx 2
L L ò dm ò dx
L 0 0
L
ò xdm ò x(A+ Bx)dx L3 4

X CM = 0
= 0 òx dx
L L 0 4 3L
= L = 3 =
ò dm ò (A+ Bx)dx 2 L 4
0 0 ò x dx 3
0
AL BL3 2
+ Application 2.13
or X CM = 2 3 = L(3A+2BL)
BL2 3(2A +BL) To find shift in centre of mass when a small
AL + portion of mass is removed from a uniform body.
2
Note: 2.9. If the rod is of uniform density then B = 0
x shift
l = Constant = A. d
L C1 C C2
X Cm =
2
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PHYSICS - I B CENTRE OF MASS

Consider a uniform body of mass M. Suppose mass a (volume)a r 3

its centre of mass is at C. Suppose a part of mass m then shift in centre of mass is given by
is removed and C2 is centre of mass of removed part.
Suppose centre of mass of remaining mass is at C1. dr 3
x=
Let C = (0,0) R3 - r 3
Let m1 = M – m = remaining mass
Case – I: If circular portion is removed from the
x1 = –CC1 = xshift
edge then, shift is maximum
m2 = m = mass of removed part
d=R–r
x2 = CC2 = d = distance of centre of mass of
removed part from original centre of mass (R-r)

m 1 x1 + m 2 x 2 - (M - m)x shift + md Then shift in centre of mass is

x cm = , 0=
m1 + m 2 (M - m) + m (R - r )r 2
x= r2
(M – m) xshift = md R2 - r 2 , x=
R+ r
md
\ Shift in centre of mass, x shift = M - m
r3
Note 2.13: Similarly for sphere x =
m removed d R 2 + r 2 + Rr
x shift =
(Mtotal - m removed ) Note 2.14 : If a circular portion of diameter R is
removed from a uniform circular plate of radius
Note 2.11 : When a small portion is removed, R, from one edge then shift in the center of mass
centre of mass of remaing plate shift to the other
R
side such that centre of mass of removed mass, xshift =
6 r
remaing mass and total system lies on same line
R
Application 2.14 Proof: Here, r =
2
A circular portion of radius ‘r’ is removed 2
from a uniform circular plate of radius ‘R’, then (R2 ) R
dr 2 xshift = \ x shift =
the shift in centre of mass is, x = 2 R+ R
2
6
R - r2
where ‘d’ is the distance between the centre of Case – II: If the centre of removed plate and the
orginal mass and centre of removed part. original plate coincide then shift is zero

m removed d cm d then d = 0
Proof : x shift = xcm
r
(M total - m removed )
and x = 0
m removed = (p r 2 h )r M total = (p R 2 h )r
Where h = thickness and r = density of material Application 2.15

(p r hr )d
2
dr 2 Asquare portion of diagonal equal to radius
xshift = \ xshift = 2 2 is removed from a uniform circular plate of
p R 2 hr - p r 2 hr R - r
radius R as shown in figure.Then shift in center
Note 2.12 : Similarly if a spherical portion of radius
(r) is removed from a sphere(R) to form a cavity R
of mass is, x s h i f t =
then, 2 (4 p - 1 )

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CENTRE OF MASS PHYSICS - I B

Proof:

a a L/2

m removed d 
 x shift 
 M  m removed  R R L/ 2 
2
L  2L
from figure. d  x

2

Mass is proportional to area of plate
 L2 
M   R 2  and a 2 = R m removed     and m 2
4 total   2L 
 
R2
2 R
m removed µ a = and d = L2 L 
2 2  L
4 2 4 L
R2 R  xshift   
.  2 L2  ,   2 16   
2 2 R  4L    2 4  
xshift = 4 4
é 2ù =  
êp R 2 - R ú 2 [2 p - 1]
ê 2 úûú Application 2.18
ëê
When a triangular portion is removed from
Application 2.16 one edge of a square plate of side ‘a’ as shown in
A uniform square of side 2L is divided into the figure then shift in centre of mass is given by
a
four equal quadrants. If one of the quadrent is
removed. Then shift in center of mass is c1 c2
L a a

xshift = xshift = a 3

3 2 9 2

m removed d Proof: M total = a 2 r t , m removed = (1 / 4)a 2 r t

Proof: xshift  M
 total  m removed  where r is density of the material and t is
L 
L L thickness.
from figure. d  
2
2
x
 m removed  d
d = a/3, xshift  M = a/9

m total removed 
2 Application 2.19
m removed  L2 , M total   2L 
When a triangular plate is removed from one
L edge of a rectangular plate of length a and breadth b
L2 as shown in the figure then shift in centre of mass is
 x shift  2  L
. a
 4L  L2  3 2
2
  a c1 c2
given by xshift = a
a b
Application 2.17 9 2
3

From a uniform square plate of side 2L, a

circular portion is removed from one of the æab ö
Proof: Mtotal = (ab) r h; mremoved = ççç ÷ ÷rh
quadrant then shift in centre of mass is è4÷ ø
xL
xshift = Where r is density of the material and h is
2 (16- p ) thickness.
 m removed  d  m removed  d
Proof : xshift  M d = a/3, xshift  M = a/9
 total  m removed  m  total removed 
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PHYSICS - I B CENTRE OF MASS

Problem 2.23
B A
c1
Identical blocks each of mass M and length
D c2  2
L are placed one above the other such that each C
extends out by maximum length as shown in F
x3 E  4
figure. Find the maximum extension of the nth G
block from the top. So that the blocks will not
H
fall.
The center of mass (C3) of the upper three blocks
must lie on the edge of the lower fourth block i.e. at
G. To find x3 consider E as origin

æ ö
2 M (0) + M ççç ÷ ÷
Solution: For a two block system, the center of mass è2 ø÷ 
(C1) of upper block should be at the edge of lower x3 = =
3M 6
 
block. i.e. at distance. But if center of mass of \ x3 =
2 6
upper block is not resting on the lower block then,
 
the upper block falls down because of unbalanced Simillarly x4 = , x5 = , .........
torque created by gravitational force 8 10
For nth block
B c1
A 
 xn =
 \ x1 = 2n
D C 2 2
Note : 1) When the above blocks are arranged in
If a third block (EF) is arranged below the two such a manner, that each block projects out by same
blocks then distance, so that the blocks will not fall then the
B A
c1 distance of projection of each block form the edge
D c2  æ ö
C 2 of its bottom block is çççè ø÷
÷
x2 n÷
F E
The center of mass (C2) of (AB) and (CD) block æ ö
x = ççç ÷÷
x ènø÷
system must lie on the edge E of third block. To find x
x2 consider C as origin. Then
æ ö 2. If the entire system is placed at the edge of a
M (0) + M ççç ÷ ÷
è 2 ø÷  table, so that the blocks will not fall then the equal
x2 = =
2M 4 distance of projection of each block from the edge
 æ  ö÷
\ x2 = So, center of mass of upper two of its bottom block is çççè ÷.
4 n + 1ø÷

blocks is at distance from edge of lower block.
4 x
c x
Also, if another block (GH) is placed below Table x
the three blocks in equilibrium, then

AKASH MULTIMEDIA 59
CENTRE OF MASS
Short answer questions
1. Mention the characteristics of centre of mass.
2. Show that the momentum of a system of
particles is equal to the sum of moment of
individual particles comprising the system.
3. Distinguish between centre of mass and centre
of gravity.
4. Show that a system of particles moves under the
influence of an external force as if the force is
applied at its centre of mass.
5. Explain about the centre of mass of Earth-moon
system and its rotation around the sun.
6. State the theorems of pappus to locate centre of
mass of bodies whose formulae for surface and
volumes are known.
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Under what conditions centre of mass and centre
of gravity of a body coincide ?
2. Is it necessary that any mass should be present
at the centre of mass of a system ?
3. In a diagram, the weight of an extended body is
shown to act from the centre of mass. Does it
mean that other particles are not attracted by the
earth? What is the relation between the weight
of the body and that of all other particles?
4. In which of the following cases the centre of
mass of a body coincides with its geometric
centre of a body?
a) The density continuously decreases from right
to left.
b) The density decreases from left to right upto
the centre and then increase.
5. Are the following expressions valid for
homogeneous pieces of masses?
A1 X1 + A2 X 2 + .... + An X n
a) X cm = A1 + A2 + A3 + .... An
where A1 , A2 , A3 ,.... An are the areas of the
homogeneous pieces and X1 , X 2 , X 3 ,.... X n are
their positions respectively.
V1 X1 + V2 X 2 + .... + Vn X n
b) X cm = V1 + V2 + V3 + ....Vn
where V1 , V2 , V3 ,....Vn are the volumes of the
homogeneous pieces and X1 , X 2 , X 3 ,.... X n are
their positions respectively.
AKASH MULTIMEDIA
PHYSICS - I B
6. A boy stands at one end of a boat that is stationary
relative to the shore. He starts to walk toward
the opposite end of the boat away from the shore.
Does the boat move? If it moves, in what
direction does it move?
7. A uniform wire is bent into the form of a
rectangle with length L and width W. If two of
the sides coincide with x and y axes what are
the coordinates of centre of mass?
8. Choose a large bound book.
a) It is placed on the table, locate its centre of mass.
b) If it is made to stand vertically on the table
will the centre of mass remain same?
9. Can we change the period of oscillation of a
swing by sitting and standing on the plank of
swing while swinging ? Explain.
AssessYourself
1. A carpet of length x is lying on the floor. It is
folded to half of its length backwards over itself.
What is the new position of the centre of mass
of the carpet.
X /2
X
Ans. 3/4 x from the left end & x/4 from right end.
2. Can you change the centre of mass of your body
by pulling your hair up?
Ans. No, the pulling force is internal force, it does
not change the position of centre of mass of
person + Earth system.
3. While a high jumper clears the hurdle-bar, is it
possible that the high-jumper’s body passes over
the bar and his centre of mass passes under it.
Ans. Yes, as the high jumper clears the bar his body
bends and his centre of mass now lies out side
of his curved body and below the bar.
4. Guess the possible position of the centre mass
of the body shown here. C
A
Ans. At ‘B’. B
5. A projectile is launched into the air suddenly
explodes. Where does the centre of mass of the
fragments touch the ground?
Ans. The centre of mass of the fragments touch the
ground at the very point, as the unexploded
projectile would.
60