CENTER OF MASS

Total Sessions – 06
SESSION – 1

AIM
 To introduce concept of Centre of Mass
 Centre of mass of system of particles
a) Position of Centre of Mass: System of two particles
b) Position of Centre of Mass: System of multiple particles

THEORY
CENTRE OF MASS
The center of mass of an object is the point associated with the system that moves in the same way
as a point mass having mass equal to the object would move when subjected to the same external
forces that act on the object. Therefore the motion of system can be observed as motion of center of
mass alone.
 The CM of a body (or system of particles) is defined as a point at which the entire mass of the body
is supposed to be concentrated.
 When an object moves, it moves in the same way as a point mass of same mass equal to the object
would move.
 All the particles move about the centre of mass in different directions but follows the CM.
 Any external force acting on the object will be as if it is acting on Centre of Mass and the object will
move with the acceleration of CM.
 Position of CM may lie within or outside the material of the body.

POSITION OF CENTRE OF MASS

a] System of two particle: Consider first a system of two particles m 1 and m2 at distances x1 and x2
respectively, from some origin O. We define a point C, the center of mass of the system, as a
m x +m x
distance xcm from the origin O, where xcm is defined by xcm = 1 1 2 2
m1+ m2

.
m1
(x 1 , 0)
.
m2
(x c m , 0 ) (x 2 , 0)

Es….. of M of Mass about the CM = 0

m1 ( −r 1 ) +m2 ( r 2) =0
m1 r 1=m2 r 2
m1 ( x c −x 1 ) =m2 ( x 2−x c )
m1 x c −m1 x1 =m2 x 2−m2 x c
( m1 +m2 ) x c =m1 x 1+m2 x2

1
 m1 x 1+ m2 x 2
xc=
m1+ m2
b] System of multiple particles
i] If m1, m2 . . . . . , mn, are along a straight line, by definition,
m1 x 1 +m2 x 2 +… …+ mn x n ∑ mi x i ∑ mi xi
x cm = = =
m1 m2 +… …+ mn ∑ mi M

. . . .
m1
(x 1 , 0 )
m2
(x 2 , 0 )
m3
(x 3 , 0 )
m4
(x 4 , 0 )

Two particle system

Let m1 & m2 have position vector ⃗
r 1∧⃗
r2
m1 y −m2 x=0 ⇒ m1 y=m2 x
m1 ( r 1−r c )−m2 ( r c −r 2 ) ⇒ m1 r 1−m1 r c −m2 r 2+ m2 r c =0
m1 r 1−m1 r c −m2 r c +m2 r 2 ⇒ m1 r 1+ m2 r 2=( m1 +m2 ) r c
r 1 m1+r 2 m2
rc=
m1+ m2
ii] If particles do not lie in a straight line but lie in a plane, (suppose x-y plane) the centre of mass C is
defined and located by the coordinates xcm and ycm,
m1 x 1 +m2 x 2 +… …+ mn x n ∑ mi x i ∑ mi xi
where x cm = = =
m1 m2 +… …+ mn ∑ mi M
m1 y 1 +m2 y 2 +… …+ mn y n ∑ mi y i ∑ mi y i
ycm = = =
m1 m2 +… …+mn ∑ mi M
iii] If the particles are distributed in space, xcm= ∑ mi y i , ycm = ∑ mi y i , zcm = ∑ mi z i
M M M
So, position vector of C is given by

r cm =x cm i⃗ + y cm ⃗j+ z cm ⃗k =
∑ mi r i = ∑ mi r i
∑ mi M

Illustration 1:
Particle of masses 2 kg, 2 kg, 1 kg and 1 kg are placed at the corners A, B, C, D of a square of side L
as shown in Fig. Find the centre of mass of the system.
Sol: If A is taken as origin

D, 1 C, 1

A, 2 B, 2

Then
m1 x 1 +m2 x 2 +m3 x 3 +m4 x 4 2.0+2. L+1. L+1.0 1
x m= = = L
m1+ m2 +m3 +m4 6 2
m1 y 1+ m2 y 2 +m3 y 3 + m4 y 4 2.0+2.0+ 1. L+1.0 L
y cm = = =
m1+ m2 +m3 +m4 6 3

CLASS EXERCISE
1] The ratio of the distances of the particles of masses m1 and m2 from their centre of mass is given by
m1 m2 m1+ m2 m2+ m1
a) b) c) d)
m2 m1 m2−m1 m1−m2
2] The mass of a uniform ladder of length 5m is 20kg. A Person of 60kg stands at a height 2m from the
bottom. The position of centre of mass of the system from the bottom is
a) 1 m b) 2.125 m c) 2.5 m d) 3.5 m
3] Three identical spheres each of mass m and radius R, are placed touching each other so that their
centre of mass on a straight line. The position of centre of mass from the centre of an extreme
sphere is
a) 2R/3 b) 2R c) 5R/3 d) 4R/3
4] If the centre of mass of three particles of masses 1, 2 and 3kg be at the point ( 3, 3, 3) then the
position of the fourth particle of mass 4kg. So that the centre of mass of the system be (1, 1, 1) is
a) (2, 2, 2) b) (-2,-2, 2) c) (-2,-2,-2) d) None of the above
5] Particle of masses 2 kg, 2kg, 1kg and 1 kg are placed at the corners A, B, C, D of a square of side L
as shown in Fig. Find the centre of mass of the system.

6] Two bodies of mass 0.8 kg and 1.2 kg fare located at ( 1 ,−2 ) and (−3 , 4 ) respectively. Find the
coordinate of the centre of mass.
7] Four point masses 4m, 2m, 3m & 6m are located as shown. Find the position coordinates of the
centre of mass of the system.

HOME EXERCISE
1] Three particles of masses 1kg, 2kg, 2kg are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle ABC
where coordinates of A and B are (0, 0) and (2, 0) respectively. The coordinates of Centre of Mass of
the system.
a) (6/5, 3/5) b) (6/5, √ 3/5) c) (6/5, 1/5) d) (6/5, 2√ 3/5)
2] The distance between the Earth and Moon is 3.8 x 10 5 km. If the mass of Earth is 80 times that of
the Moon, find the distance of centre of mass of this system from the centre of the Earth.
a) 4.69 × 103 km b) 2.66 × 103 km c) 8.65 × 103 km d) 9.60 × 103 km
3] In the case of a football.
a) The centre of mass and centre of gravity lie on the surface of the ball at the same point
b) The centre of mass and centre of gravity lie at the centre of the ball
c) Both lie at different points
d) None of the above.
4] Find the centre of mass of carbon monoxide molecule [CO] relative to carbon atom if the distance
between the centres of the carbon and oxygen atom is 1.130 × 10–10m.
a) 0.645 × 10–10 m b) 0.841 × 10–10m c) 1.634 x 10–10 m d) 0.143 × 10–10m
5] The centre of mass of two particles with masses 4 kg and 2 kg and 2 kg located at
(1, 0, 1) and (2, 2, 0) respectively has the coordinates _______.
 2 4 2 1 2 2 4 2 2 5 2 2
a) , , b) , , c) , , d) , ,
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
6] The centre of mass of three particles of masses 10g, 20g and 30g is at a point (1,2,3). Find the
position of the fourth particle of mass 40g so that the centre of mass of the new system moves to a
point (2,2,2)

(
3 5 7
a) , ,
2 2 2 ) ( 7
b) 2 , , 1
2 ) (7
c) ,2 ,
2
1
2 ) d) (0, 0, 0)

NCERT QUESTIONS
1] In the HCl molecule, the separation between the nuclei of the two atoms is about 1.27 Å
(1Å = 10–10 m). Find the approximate location of the CM of the molecule, given that a chlorine
atom is about 35.5 times as massive as a hydrogen atom and nearly all the mass of an atom is
concentrated in its nucleus. The approximate location of the CM of the molecule is
a] 0.635 Å ¿ H 2 b] 1.24 Å ¿ H 2
c] 0.635 Å ¿ Cl2 d] 1.24 Å ¿ H 2
2](i) Give the location of the centre of mass of a (i) sphere. (ii) cylinder, (iii) ring, and (iv) cube, each of
uniform mass density.
3
a] at their geometric centre b] at thdistance from its centre on their axis
4
c] outside the body d] can’t tell
2](ii) Does the centre of mass of a body necessarily lie inside the body?
a] yes b] No c] can’t tell d] Not necessary
3] A child sits stationary at one end of a long trolley moving uniformly with a speed V on a smooth
horizontal floor. If the child gets up and runs about on the trolley in any manner, what is the speed of
the CM of the (trolley + child) system?
a] remains unchanged b] changes at every instant
c] data insufficient d] None
 SESSION – 2
AIM
 Center of mass of a body having continuous distribution of mass.

THEORY
Center of mass of a body having continuous distribution of mass:
If the bodies given are not discrete and their distances are not specific, the centre of mass can be
found out by taking an infinitesimal part of mass distribution of mass at a distance x and y from the
origin of the chosen co-ordinate system.

x cm =
∫ x dm ; y = ∫ y dm ; z = ∫ z dm
∫ dm ∫ dm ∫ dm
cm cm

In vector form. r⃗ cm =
∫ ⃗r dm
∫ dm
Illustration–1:
If the linear mass density of a rod of length L varies as  = A+Bx, where A and B are constants.
Find the coordinate of centre of mass.
Sol: As rod is kept along x-axis. Hence Ycm = 0 and Z cm = 0
For x-coordinate

z
L
xdm
dm
O

z
0
X cm  L x
dm x dx
0

dm =  dx = (a+Bx)dx
L
2 2
AL BL
∫ x ( A+ Bx ) dx +
L ( 3 A +2 BL )
0 2 2
X cm= L = 2
X cm=
BL 3 ( 2 A+ BL )
∫ ( A+ Bx ) dx AL+ 2
0

Hence coordinate of centre of mass ( L ( 3 A+ 2 BL )

3 (2 A+ BL ) )
,0,0

Illustration–2:

The mass per unit length of rod varies asm= ( )

M0
L
× x, where M 0 is constant and x is the distance of

any point on rod measured from one end. If L is the length of rod, then find the centre of mass?
Sol:

dm = mo/L x dx
L

∫ x 2 dx
0 2L
X cm= L
=
3
∫ xdx
0

Hence coordinate of centre of mass ( 23L , 0 ,0)

Illustration–3:
Find the centre of mass a uniform semi-circular ring of radius R and mass M.
Sol: Consider the centre of the ring as origin. Consider a differential element of length dl of the ring
whose radius vector makes an angle  with the x-axis. If the angle subtended by the length is dat
the centre then, dl = Rd.
Let  be the mass per unit length.
Then mass of this element is dm = Rd
x
1 1
X cm= ∫ x dm= ∫ R cos θ Rdθ=0
m m 0
x 2 x 2
1 R R 2R
Y cm = ∫ ( R sinθ ) Rdθ∨ ∫ sin θ dθ=
x
⌊−cos θ ⌋ 0 Y cm=
m 0 m 0 πR π

Illustration–4:
Find the centre of mass of a uniform semi–circular plate of radius R and mass M.
Sol:

M
dn= 2M
π 2¿ πrdx
R π R2
2
R
1 2M 2x
y a= ∫ πrdr ( y ) y a=
a 0 πR 2 π
R
4 2
¿ 2 ∫ rdr . r
R 0 π
3
4 [ 2 ] 4 R 4R 4R
¿ 2 r dr = 2
= =
R π π R 3 3 π 3π
Illustration–5:
Find the centre of mass of a uniform of a uniform hemispherical shell of radius R and mass M.
Sol:

r =RSinθ
M
dx= 2
2 πSinθRdθ
2π R
dx=MSinθdθ

y a=
∫ y dx y=Rcosθ
∫ dx
1 1
¿ ∫ ydx= ∫ RcosθMsindθ
M M
π
2

y a=R ∫ Sinθcosθdθ
0
π
2
R
y a= ∫ 2 Sinθcosθdθ
2 0
 π

[ ]
2 π
R R −cos 2 θ
¿ ∫
2 0
sin 2 θdθ=
2 2
2

y a=
[
R +1 1 R
− =
2 2 2 2 ]
Illustration–6:
Find the centre of mass of a uniform solid hemisphere of radius R and mass M.

M 3M
π ( R − y ) dy
r 2 2
dm= π x dy =
Sol: 2 2πR
3
π R3
3
R
1
y a= ∫
3M
M 0 2 π R3
R
( )
π ( R − y ) dyxy
2 2

3
3∫
¿ ( R2 y − y 3 ) dy
2R 0

[ ]
R
2 R 2 y2 y4 3R
¿ − =
3R
3
2 4 0 8

Illustration 7:
Find the centre of mass of a uniform thin cone of radius R and mass M and height h .
Sol:

d a =2 πrdy
dm=PdA
∫ y (1− πy ) dy ∫ ydy− yπ
2 2 3 2 2 2
a y y h h h
dy− −
∫ y ( 2 πrdy ) ¿ = ¿
2 3h 2 3
=
6 h
= =
∫( )
0
−y y 2
h h 3
y a=
2 πrdy dy ∫ dy−∫ dy y− y h−
a x 2h 2 2
Illustration–8:
Find the centre of mass of a uniform solid cone of radius R and mass M and height h.
Sol:
 For symmetry x c =0

yc=
∫ ydx
∫ dx
y a=
∫ y dx dm−∫ dV
∫ dx
1 3
dV = π r dy
3
Where r is the radius of the cone of any arbitrary height dy .
y=θ , r =R ( R → box radius )
y=h ,r =0
R r
tanθ= =
h h− y
R ( h− y ) R
r= =R− y
h h

( ( ))
n 2

( 1 2
) 1 y 2
∫ 3 y r dy ∫ 3
y π R 1−
a
dy 1 π R2 h
y a=
0
= 3 12 h
¿ =
( ( ))
1 2 1 y
2
1 2h 9
3
π r dy ∫ 3 π R 1− h dy 2 π R 3

SOME SPECIAL CASES OF CENTRE OF MASS

Uniform Rod or Cylinder Mid point on its axis
Ring, Shell, sphere Centre
Triangle Intersection of Medians
Rectangle, Parallelogram, Square Intersection of Diagonals
Semi Circular Wire 2 R/ π from centre
Semi Circular Disk 4R/3 from centre
Hemispherical Shell R/2 from centre
Solid Hemisphere 3R/8 from centre
Thin Cone h/3 from Base
Solid Cone h/4 from Base

CLASS EXERCISE
1] Find the centre of mass of three uniform density, same thickness square lamina of side 1 meter each.
2] A solid circular cone of radius R is joined to a uniform solid hemisphere of radius R. Both are made
of same material. The centre of mass of the composite solid lies at the common base. Find the
height of cone.

3] If cone is made from a cylinder without changing it’s axis length (h) then shift in the centre of mass
will be
2h 3h h
a) b) c) d) zero
3 4 4

HOME EXERCISE
1] Two uniform rods of the same diameter, having lengths of 2m and 3m, and having linear densities
(or mass per unit length) 4 kg/m and 6 kg/m respectively are joined end to end (fig.) Find the
position of the centre of mass of the combined rod from the centre of mass of the first rod.
2m 3m

C1 C C2

45 45 42 43
a) b) c) d)
26 26 26 26
2] Find the centre of mass of the system d rods from C1.

4 cm C1 C2 2 cm
1 0 cm
2 0 cm
a) 1.6 cm towards C2 b) 1.5 cm towards C2
c) 1.4 cm towards C2 d) 1.7 cm towards C2
3] Two uniform rods of the same diameter, having lengths of 2m and 3m and having linear densities of
4kg/m and 6 kg/m respectively are joined end to end. Find the position of the centre of mass of the
combined rod from the centre of the first rod
8 9 45 45
a) m b) m c) m d) m
9 8 26 8
4] To discs of radii 4cm and 2cm respectively are attached as shown in the figure. Where is the new
centre of mass of the system from C1.
a) 1 cm b) 1.2 cm c) 1.3 cm d) 1.4 cm
 SESSION – 3
AIM
 To study the applications of Centre of Mass: Shifting of Centre of Mass

THEORY
The Centre of mass after removal of a part of a body
If a portion of a body is taken out, the remaining portion may be considered as, original mass
(M) – mass of there moved part (m).
= {Original mass (M)} + {–mass of the removed part (m)}
The Formula changes to;
M x −m x My −m y
'
x cm = , y cm =
M −m M −m
Where primed ones represent the coordinate of the centre of mass of the removed part.

Illustration–1:
A thin homogeneous lamina is in the form of a circular disc of radius R. From it a circular hole is
cut off exactly half the radius of the lamina and touching the lamina’s circumference. Find the
centre of mass of the remaining part.
Sol: Let the centre of the lamina be the origin. Due to symmetry, the centre of mass will be on the x-axis.
Let m be the mass of the circular lamina. Then mass m’ of the

( )
2
' M ( 2) M R M
m= 2
πr = 2 =
πR R 2 4
'
M .0−m . r
∴ x cm=
M −m'
The negative sign of m’ denotes that it has been removed.
−M R
4 2 −R R
Thus, x cm = = (the center of mass of the remaining part lies at a distant , towards left of
M 6 6
M−
4
the origin i.e. the initial center of mass of the disc).
Illustration-2:
A circular plate of uniform thickness has a diameter of 56 cm. A circular portion of diameter 42 cm
is removed from one edge of the plate as shown in figure. Find the centre of mass of the remaining
portion.
Sol: Let O be the centre of circular plate and O 1, the centre of circular portion removed from the plate.
Let O2 be the centre of mass of the remaining part.

( )
2
56
Area of original plate = π R2 = π 2 2
2 = 28 cm
Area removed from circular part = π r2

( )
2
42 2 2
¿π =( 21 ) πc m
2
m 2 m 1
× × ×
m
Let be the mass per cm2. Then mass of original plate, m = (28)2
Mass of the removed part, m1 = (21)2σπ

Mass of remaining part, m2 = (28)2σπ - (21)2σπ = 343σπ

Now the masses m1 and m2 may be supposed to be concentrated at O 1 and O2 respectively. Their
combined centre of mass is at O. Taking O as origin we have from definition of centre of mass,
m1 x 1 +m2 x 2
X cm=
m1 +m2
x1 = OO1 = OA - O1A = 28 - 21 = 7 cm
x2 = OO2 = ?, xcm = 0
( 21 )2 πσ × 7+343 πσ × x 2
0=
( m1+ m2 )

2
−( 21 ) πσ ×7 −441× 7
x 2= = =−9 cm
343 πσ 343
This means that centre of mass of the remaining plate is at a distance 9 cm from the centre of given
circular plate opposite to the removed portion.
Shift in the position of centre of mass:
Shift in the position of c.m.
m1 Δ x 1 +m2 Δ x 2 +… . .. … … …
Δx=
m1+ m2+ … … … … … … ..
m1 Δ y 1 +m2 Δ y 2 +… . .. … … … …..
Δy=
m1 +m2+ … … … … … … ..
Where Δ x and Δy is the change in the co-ordinates of the c.m. of the system and Δ x 1, Δ x 2, ...........
and Δ y1 , Δ y 2 are change in the position of the c.m. of the individual masses.
m1 Δ r⃗ 1+ m1 Δ r⃗ 2 … … ..
In vector form, displacement of centre of mass, Δ ⃗r = where Δ ⃗r 1, Δ ⃗r 2, Δ ⃗r 3
m1 +m2
........ are the displacement of m1, m2, m3 ........... etc.
Note: Absence of external force the position of the centre of mass. does not change in case of a stationary
system.

Illustration-3:
A dog of mass 10 kg is standing on a flat boat so that it is 20 meters from the shore. It walks 8mon
the boat towards t shore and then sos. The mass f the boat towards the shore and then stops. The
mass of the boat is 40 kg and friction between the boat and the water surface is negligible. How far
is the dog from the shore now?
Sol: Take boat and dog as a system. Initially centre of mass of the system is at rest. Since no external
force is acting on the system, hence centre of mass of the system will remain stationary. Let initially
distance of the centre of mass of the boat from the shore is x m.
Hence x1c.m. = 40 ×+ 10× 20 m .............. (i)
40+ 10
Where x 1 cm. = distance of the cm. of the system from the shore. Since dog moves towards the sore
and centre of mass of the system to be at rest, therefore boat has to move away from the shore. Let
distance moved by the boat be x’, then
40 ( x + x ' )+ 10 ( 20−8+ x' )
x 2 c. m= ∵ x 1 c .m=x 2 c .m
40+10
40 x+ 200 40 ( x+ x ' )+10 ( 12+ x ' )
= 50 x ' =80 x ' =1.6 m
50 50
Hence distance of the dog from the shore is (20 - 8 +1.6) m = 13.6 m

Aliter: As there is no external force acting on the system (dog + boat) along the x-axis and initially centre of
mass of the system is at rest. It means that the motion of the dog will not change
x-coordinate of the centre of mass of the system
md Δ ⃗
X d + md Δ ⃗
Xb
i.e., Δ ⃗
X cm = ........... (i)
mb +md
Let the displacement of boat isi⃗ .
The displacement of the dog with respect to boat, Δ ⃗r d , b=−l ⃗i
 The displacement of the dog, Δ ⃗r d= Δ ⃗r d ,b + Δ ⃗r b=−l ⃗i + si= (−l+ s ) i⃗
From (i)md (−l+ s ) ⃗i + mb s i⃗ =0
md l 10 x 8
s= = =1.6 m
( md + mb ) (10+ 40 )
Hence position of dog from the shore
⃗
L '= L + Δ ⃗r d =20 ⃗i + (−8+1.6 ) ⃗i =13.6 i⃗ .
⃗

CLASS EXERCISE
1] Two discs of radii 4 cm and 2 cm respectively are attached as shown in the fig. Where is the new
centre of mass of the system from C1

2m
m
C1 C2
4 cm 2 cm

a) 1 cm b) 1.2 cm c) 1.3 cm d) 1.4 cm

2] From a solid sphere of radius R a smaller sphere of diameter R touching the outer sphere is removed.
The shift in the centre of mass is
R R R R
a) b) c) d)
6 7 14 2

3] A circular disc of radius R has uniform thickness. A circular hole of diameter equal to the radius of
the disc has been cut out from the disc as shown in fig. The centre of gravity of the remaining
portion of the disc lies on the diameter of the disc at a distance x to the left of the centre of the
original disc. The value of x is

R R

R R R
a) R b) c) d)
2 4 6
4] Two books 20 kg and 30 kg are placed on a table. The first book was moved by 6 cm by the teacher.
By what distance should the student move the second book to keep the position of the centre of mass
unchanged.
5] Two friends Mr. Prakash (60 kg) and Mr. Adil (80 kg) are sitting at the extremes of a 10 m long boat

(50 kg) standing still in water. When both the friends comes to the middle of the boat. How far does
the boat move.
6] A square sheet has a side length ‘2a’ as shown in figure. One fourth of the sheet is removed from the
upper right hand corner as shown in the figure. Find the distance by which the centre of mass shifts.
2a

a) a /√ 3 b) a /2√ 3 c) 2a /√ 3 d) a / 3√ 3

HOME EXERCISE
1] From a square plate of uniform thickness of side 20 cm a circular portion of diameter 8 cm is cut,
with the diameter of the circle lying on the line joining the mid points of the opposite sides of the
plate, and the edge of the circle lying at one edge of the square. Find the position of the centre of
mass of the remaining portion of the square from its original centre of mass.
π 6π 25−π
a) π cm b) cm c) d) cm
25 25−π π
2] A sphere of radius R cm has a cube of side 0.5R cm cut out of it so that the midpoint of one face of
the cube C is at the centre of the sphere. If the centre of mass of the sphere with the cut is at A, then
AC =
3R 3R R ( 32 π−3 ) R
a) b) c) d)
32 π−3 4 ( 32 π−3 ) 3 (32 π−3 ) 4
3] Range of projectile is R. Suppose the projectile breaks into two pieces with masses in the ratio 1:3 at
the highest point. If the horizontal range of lighter piece is 4R, then the horizontal range of heavier
piece is.
a) zero b) R/3 c) 2R/3 d) 4R/3
4] If n particles of masses 1kg, 2kg, 3kg....n kg of are placed at points 1,4,9....n 2 respectively from the
origin along X-axis. The distance of centre of mass from origin.
2 2
n ( n+1 ) n ( n+1 ) n ( n+1 ) ( 2n+ 1 ) n ( n+1 ) ( 2n+ 1 )
a) b) c) d)
2 4 3 12
5] A uniform rod of length one meter is bent at its midpoint to make 90 o angle. The distance of center
of mass from the centre of the rod is
a) 36.1 cm b) 25.2 cm c) 17.7 cm d) zero
6] A circular plate of uniform thickness has a diameter 56 cm. A circular portion of diameter 42 cm is
removed one edge of the plate as shown in the figure. Find the centre of mass of the remaining
portion (firm O)
 28m
21m
O2 O O1

a) 3m b) 6m c) 9m d) 12 m

SESSION – 4 AND 5

AIM
 Distinction between Centre of Mass and Centre of Gravity
 Motion of the Centre of Mass
 Linear Momentum Impulse and Momentum
 Impulse and Momentum
 Conservation of Linear Momentum

THEORY
DISTINCTION BETWEEN CENTRE OF MASS AND CENTRE OF GRAVITY
r⃗ G × ∑ mi ⃗gi=∑ ( ⃗r i × mi ⃗gi )
It is only when the system is in a uniform gravitational field, where the acceleration due to gravity
(g) is the same for all particles, then equation (b)

Becomes r⃗ G =
∑ mi r⃗i =⃗r
CM
mi
In this case, therefore the centre of gravity and the centre of mass coincide.
If, however the gravitational field is not uniform and g i is not constant then, in general equation (b)
cannot be simplified and r⃗ G Y⃗CM .
MOTION OF THE CENTRE OF MASS
Assume that the total mass M of the system remains constant with time, then, for our fixed system of
particles M ⃗r cm=m1 ⃗r 1 +m2 r⃗ 2 + … …+mn r⃗ n
where rcm is the position vector identifying the centre of mass in a particular reference frame.
Differentiating this equation with respect to time, we obtain
d ⃗r cm d r⃗1 d ⃗r 2 d ⃗r n
M =m1 +m2 +… …+ mn …. (1)
dt dt dt dt
⃗ cm=m1 v 1 +m2 v 2+ … …+mn v n
¿MV
where v1 is the velocity of the first particle, etc., and dr cm /dt (= vcm) is the velocity of the centre of
mass.
 Differentiating equation (1) with respect to time, we obtain
d ⃗v cm d ⃗v 1 d ⃗v2 d ⃗v n
M =m1 +m2 +… … …+ mn …. (2)
dt dt dt dt
= m1 ⃗a1 +m2 a⃗ 2+ mn a⃗ n, where a1 is the acceleration of the first particle, etc., and dvcm/dt (= acm) is
the acceleration of the centre of mass of the system. Now, from Newton's second law, the force F1
acting on the first particle is given by F1 = m1a1. Likewise, F2 = m2a2, etc. We can then write
equation (2) as
M ⃗acm =⃗F1 + ⃗
F 2+ … …+ ⃗F n= ⃗F internal + ⃗
F external …. (3)
⃗ ext
∴ M ⃗acm =F
This states that the centre of mass of a system of particles moves as through all the mass of the
system were concentrated at the centre of mass and all the external forces were applied at that point.
Note: Whatever may be the rearrangement of the bodies in a system, due to internal forces (such as one part
moving away from the other or an internal explosion taking place, breaking a body into pieces).
a] If the body was originally at rest, the C.M. will continue to be at rest.
b] If before the change, the body had been moving with a constant velocity, it will continue to move
with a constant velocity and in Absence of external force if body had been moving with constant
acceleration in a particular trajectory, the C.M. will continue to move in the same trajectory, with the
same acceleration as if it had never experienced any explosion only if there is no change in external
force.

Illustration–1:
Two blocks of masses m1 and m2 connected by a weightless spring of stiffness k rest on a smooth
horizontal plane. Block 2 is shifted a small distance x to the left and released. Find the velocity of
the centre of mass of the system after block 1 breaks off the wall.
1 2
Sol: We know that the potential energy of compression ¿ k x
2
When the block m1 breaks off from the wall the spring has its unstretched length and the kinetic
energy of the block m2 is given by
2
1 2 1 2 2 kx
m 2 v 2= k x v 2=
2 2 m2

v 2= x
√ k
m2
m1 x 1+ m2 x 2
For centre of mass xcm =
m1+ m2
 The distances x1 and x2 are measured from the wall.
d x cm m1 d x 1 m2 d x 2
= +
dt m1 +m2 dt m1+ m2 dt

√
d x1 dx m2 m x k
At start =0 ∴ cm = v 2= 2
dt dt m1+ m2 m1+ m2 m2
x √ k m2
Velocity of centre of mass of system =
m 1+ m 2
LINEAR MOMENTUM
The momentum of a single particle is a vector ⃗ P defined as the product of its mass and its velocity
⃗v . That is ⃗
P= m ⃗v ....... (1)
From Newton's second law of motion
⃗ d ⃗v d d⃗
P
F =m ⃗a=m = ( m v⃗ )=
dt dt dt
Thus, if m is constant, the rate of change of momentum of a body is proportional to the resultant
force acting on the body and is in the direction of that force.
Suppose that instead of a single particle we have a system of n particles with masses m 1, m2.. . etc,
and their velocities v1, v2 etc respectively then the total momentum ⃗
Pin a particular reference frame
is,
⃗
P= ⃗P1 + ⃗P2 + . . . . . + ⃗
Pn¿ m1 ⃗v 1+ m2 v⃗2 +… …+mn ⃗v n
P= M⃗
⃗ V cm
⃗ ⃗cm
dV d⃗
Also, d P =M =M a⃗ cm= ⃗
F ext ∴ ⃗
F ext =
P
dt dt dt

IMPULSE AND MOMENTUM

We know that the force is related to momentum as
⃗ d⃗
P⃗
F= F dt=d ⃗
P
dt
We can find the change in momentum of the body during a collision (from ⃗
Pi to ⃗
Pf) by integrating
over the time of collision and assuming that the force during collision has a constant direction,
pf tf
⃗ Pi=∫ d ⃗
Pf −⃗ P=∫ ⃗
F dt
pi ti
F(t)

O ti tf t
in which the subscripts i (= initial) and f(= final) refer to the times before and after the collision. The
integral of a force over the time interval during which the forces acts is called the impulse of the
tf

force. The impulse of this force,∫ ⃗

F dt , is represented in magnitude by area under the force - time
ti

curve
CONSERVATION OF LINEAR MOMENTUM
d⃗
P
If the sum of the external forces acting on a system is zero. Then, ⃗F ext = = 0 or ⃗
P = constant.
dt
So, when the resultant external force acting on the system is zero, the total vector momentum of the
system remains constant. This is called as principle of the conservation of linear momentum. The
momentum of the individual particles may change, but their sum remains constant if there is no net
external force.

Illustration–2:
A man of mass m climbs a rope of length L suspended below a balloon of mass M. The balloon is
stationary with respect to ground. If the man begins to climb up the rope at a speed v (relative to
rope) in upward direction then with what speed (relative to ground) will the balloon move?
Sol: Balloon is stationary
No net external force acts on it.
The conservation of linear momentum of the system (balloon + man) is valid

M ⃗v +m⃗v =0 , where ⃗v m=⃗v mb +⃗v b M ⃗v +m [ ⃗v mb + ⃗v b ] =0

b m b

where vmb = velocity of man relative to the balloon (rope)

−m v⃗ mb
⟹ ⃗v b =
M +m
where vmb = v vb = mv and directed opposite to that of the motion of the man.
M+m

Illustration–3:
Two identical buggies move one after the other due to inertia (without friction) with the same
velocity v0. A man of mass m rides the rear buggy. At a certain moment the man jumps into the
front buggy with a velocity u relative to his buggy. The mass of each buggy is M. Find the velocities
with which the buggies will move afterwards.
Sol: Initial momentum of rear buggy = (M + m)v 0. The momentum of man when he jumps = m(v 1 + u),
where v1 is the velocity of buggy as he jumps.
By the conservation of linear momentum
(M + m)v0 = Mv1 + m(v1 + u)
v1(M + m) = (M + m)v0 - mu

v1 = v0 - m
u
M+m
Initial momentum of front buggy = Mv0
Mv0 + m(v1 + u) = (M + m)v2

( ) (
Mv0 + m v 0− mu u+u =( M +m ) v 2 Mv0 + m v 0 + Mu =( M + m ) v 2
M+m M +m )
(M + m)v0 + mMu =( M +m ) v 2
M+m
mMu
v2 = v0 +
( M + m )2

CLASS EXERCISE
1] STATEMENT–1: On a 8 m boat as shown, when man moves from centre to end B; boat moves
backward on water by 4m.
STATEMENT–2: Conservation of momentum principle is being followed.
A 6 0 kg B
6 0 kg

a) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is True; Statement–2 is a correct explanation for Statement–1.

b) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is True; Statement–2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement–1.
c) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is False.
d) Statement–1 is False, Statement–2 is True.
2] Two bodies coupled by a spring is at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface. When they are pressed
and released, how does the centre of mass of the system move?
a) it moves towards heavier mass
b) it moves towards lighter mass
c) it moves right angles to the line joining the centres of the two bodies
d) it does not move
3] Two skaters A and B of 40 kg-wt and 60 kg-wt respectively stand facing each other, 5m apart. They
pull a light rope stretched between them. They meet at
a) 2.5 m from A b) 2 m from A c) 3 m from A d) They never meet
4] A 500kg boat is 9m long and is floating without motion on still water. A man of mass 100kg is at
one end and if he runs to the other end of the boat and stops the displacement of the boat is
a) 1.5 m in the direction of displacement of the man
b) 0.75 m in the direction of displacement of the man
c) 1.5 m in the direction opposite to the displacement of the man
d) 0.75 m in the direction opposite to the displacement of the man
5] A block Q of mass M is placed on a horizontal frictionless surface AB and a body P of mass m is
released at its frictionless slope. As P slides by a length L on this slope of inclination the block Q
would slide by a distance
m m M +m mL cos θ
a) Lcos θ b) L c) d)
M M+m mL cos θ m+ M
HOME EXERCISE
1] A balloon weighing 200kg. A man weighing 50kg stands on a rope ladder attached to it. The whole
system is floating in midair. The man ascends 2m on the ladder. Then the balloon
a) descends 0.5m b) ascends 0.5m c) descends 0.4m d) ascends 0.4m
2] Two balls A and B of masses 100g and 250g are connected by a stretched spring of negligible mass
and placed on a smooth table. When the balls are released simultaneously the initial acceleration of
B is 10 cm/s westward. What is the direction and magnitude of acceleration of A
a) 10 cm/s2 eastward b) 25 cm/s2 westward c) 25 cm/s2 eastward d) 12.5 cm/s2 northward
3] Two bodies of masses 1 kg and 2 kg are moving with velocities m/s respectively. Then velocity of
centre of mass of the system is
8 ⃗i +11 ⃗j 11 ⃗i + 8 ⃗j 8 ⃗i −11 ⃗j 11 ⃗i −8 ⃗j
a) b) c) d)
3 3 3 3
4] Two particles of masses 1 kg and 3 kg move towards each other under their mutual force of
attraction. No other forces act on them. When the relative velocity of the two particles is 2 m/s, their
centre of mass has velocity of 0.5 m/s. But when the relative velocity of approach becomes 3 m/s
the velocity of centre of mass is
a) zero b) 0.5 m/s c) 1.5 m/s d) 3 m/s
5] If two particles of masses 9kg and 4kg are acted upon by forces 12N and 5N along +ve x and y axes
respectively, what is the acceleration of centre of mass?

()
1
a) 1 m.s-2, tan -1 5 with 5N force ( )
1
b) 2m.s-2, tan -1 12 with 12N force

c) 1 m.s-2, tan -1( 5 )with 5N force d) 2 m.s-2, tan -1 ( 12 )with 5N force

12 5
6] STATEMENT–1: If momentum of system is zero than kinetic energy must be zero.
STATEMENT–2: If kinetic energy of system is zero than momentum must be zero.
a) Statement–1 is True, Statement–2 is True; Statement–2 is a correct explanation for Statement–1.
b) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement-1.
c) Statement – 1 is True, Statement – 2 is False.
d) Statement –1 is False, Statement – 2 is True
7] STATEMENT–1: A block is kept at the top of a smooth wedge which is term is kept on a smooth
horizontal surface. As the block slides down the wedge. Centre of the mass of system will be
accelerated.
STATEMENT–2: When external force acting on the system is zero centre of is in rest.
8] STATEMENT–1: Mass of man + ladder is equal to the mass of the block. If man moves upward
with respect to the ladder the centre of mass will not move.
STATEMENT–2: For a system having net external force zero and u cm = 0; position of centre of
mass will not change.

9] An empty rocket weight 5000 kg and contains 40,000 kg of fuel. If the exhaust velocity of the fuel is

2 km /sec then the maximum velocity gained by the rocket is kms -1. [loge 10 = 2.303,
log103 = 0.4771]
a) 4.4 b) 6.2 c) 10 d) 20
10] The first & second stages of two stage rocket separately weigh 100kg and 10 kg and contain 800 kg
and 90 kg fuel respectively. If the exhaust velocity of gases is 2 km/sec then final velocity of rocket
is
a) 1.25 km/sec b) 4.25 km/sec c) 7.021 km/sec d) 9.12 km/s
11] A rocket having initial mass 240 kg ejects fuel at the rate of 6 kg/sec with a velocity of 2 km/sec
vertically down ward relative to itself. If initial velocity is zero and gravity is neglected the final
velocity after 25 sec is [log10 2.67 = 0.4265]
a) 1.96 km/s b) 3.4 km/s c) 2.26 km/s d) 8.96 km/s
12] A single stage rocket fired vertically from rest at earth surface burns its fuel in 30 sec. The relative
velocity of the jet with respect to the rocket is 3 km/sec. If the rocket attains a velocity of 8 km/sec at
the end of this time interval then the ratio of final mass of rocket and its content to that before firing
is
 a) 14 : 1 b) 16 : 1 c) (14.37) : 3 d) (14.37) : 1

SESSION – 6
AIM
 To solve some typical problems

1] A uniform chain of mass m and length l hangs by a thread and just touches the surface of a table by
its lower end. Find the force exerted by the chain on the surface when half of its length has fallen on
the table. Assume that the fallen part does not form heap.
2] The mass of a rocket is 2.8 × 10 6 kg at launch time of this 2 × 10 6 kg is fuel. The exhaust speed is
2500 m/s and the fuel is ejected at the rate of 1.4 × 104 kg/sec.
a] Find thrust on the rocket.
b] What is initial acceleration at launch time? Ignore air resistance.
3] Two particle having masses m1 and m2 are placed a certain distance apart, m 1 is pushed towards the
centre of mass through a distance d1. By what distance should m2 be pushed so as to keep the centre
of mass at the same position?
m 1 d1 m2 d 2 m1 d 2 m2 d 1
a) d 2= b) d 2= c)d 2= d) d 2=
m2 m2 m2 m2
4] Three identical particles each of mass 1 kg are placed touching each other with their centres on a
straight line. Their centres are marked A, B and C respectively. The distance of centre of mass of the
system from A is
AB+ AC + BC AB+ AC AB+ BC AC + BC
a) b) c) d)
3 3 3 3
5] Four identical spheres each of radius 10 cm and mass 1 kg each are placed on a horizontal surface
touching one another so that their centres are located at the corners of square of side 20 cm. What is
the distance of their centre of mass from centre of either sphere?
a) 5 cm b) 10 cm c) 20 cm d) None of these
6] The rectangular blocks, A,B, C and D are piled one above the other ( fig.) in such a way, that each
block project a little beyond the block below it. If the length of each block is l, what is the maximum
projection possible for, A, B & C
A G1
B G1 G
C G3 G
D

a) l / 2, l /4, l/6 b) l / 4, l / 6,l / 2 c) l / 6, l /4, l/2 d) l , l / 2, l / 3

7] Two bodies A and B have masses M and m respectively, where M > m and they are at a distance d
apart. Equal forces are applied to them so that they approach each other. The position where they hit
each other, is
a) Nearer to B b) Nearer to A
 c) At equal distance from A and B d) Cannot be decided
8] 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 gives a velocity of 14 m/s to the heavier block in the
direction of lighter block. The velocity of centre of mass is
a) 30 m/s b) 20 m/s c) 10 m/s d) 5 m/s
9] A T shaped object with dimensions shown in the fig is lying on a smooth floor. A force F is applied
at the point P parallel to AB, such that the object has only translational motion without rotation. Find
the location of P with respect to C
A l B

P
F 2l

C
a) 4 l/3 b) l c) 2l/3 d) 3l/2
10] A projectile is fired at a speed of 100 m/s at an angle of 37° above the horizontal. At the highest
point the projectile breaks into two parts of mass ratio 1:3, the smaller mass comes to rest. Find the
distance from the launching point to the point where the heavier mass lands.
11] Two bodies of masses 10 kg and 2 kg are moving with velocities ( 2 i⃗ −7 ⃗j +3 k⃗ ) and
−10 i⃗ + 35 ⃗j−3 k⃗ respectively. The velocity of their centre of mass is
a) 2 ⃗im s−1 b) 2 ⃗k m s−1 c) ( 2 i⃗ + 2 ⃗k ) m s−1 d) ( 2 i⃗ + 2 ⃗j+ 2 ⃗k ) m s−1
12] A square hole is punched out of a circular lamina of diameter d . The diagonal of the square being the
radius of the circle. Find the centre of mass of the remaining lamina.
13] Three particles of masses 0.5kg, 1kg and 1.5kg are placed at the three corners of a right angled
triangle of sides 3cm, 4cm and 5cm respectively. Assuming 0.5kg to be at the origin, co-ordinates of
centre of mass are

( )
a) ,
1 2
3 3 ( )
b) ,
4 3
3 2
c) , ( )
3 4
2 3 ( )
d) ,
2 1
3 3