S

SYSTEM OF PARTICLES AND

TWO BODY SYSTEM

FIRST SEMESTER
2024

Sanoar Molla
Assistant Professor
Rammohan College
Mail: [email protected]
Mobile:9163530503
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SYSTEM OF PARTICLES AND TWO BODY SYSTEM

2.1.36.A car mass 𝒎 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎kg and length 𝒍 = 4m is positioned such that its rear end is at the end of a flat-top boat of ma
(a) Assuming the car accelerates with a constant acceleration 𝒂 = 𝟒 m/s² relative to the boat, how long
does it take before the centre of mass of the car reaches the other end of the boat (and therefore falls
off)?
(b) What distance has the boat travelled relative to the water during this time?
(c) Use momentum conservation to find a relation between the velocity of the car relative to the boat and
the velocity of the boat relative to the water. Hence show that the distance travelled by the boat, until
the car falls off, is independent of the acceleration of the car.
Ans: (a) Distance traversed by the car before it falls off, 𝑠 = 18 − 2 = 16m:
2𝑠 2×16
𝑡 = √𝑎 = √ 4
= 2√2s

(b) By Newton’s third law, the force exerted by the car is equal to that by boat + car
(𝑀 + 𝑚)𝑎𝐵 = 𝑚𝑎
Where 𝑀 = 8000 kg, 𝑚 = 1200, 𝑎 = 4 m/s²
𝑚𝑎
The acceleration of the boat 𝑎𝐵 = = 0.26 m/s²
𝑀+𝑚
The distance travelled by the boat in the opposite direction
1 1
𝑠𝐵 = 2 𝑎𝐵 𝑡² = 2 × 0.26 × (2√2)² = 104 m
(c) Momentum conservation gives
𝑚𝑣𝑐 = (𝑀 + 𝑚)𝑣𝐵
𝑣𝐵 𝑚 1200
= = = 0.13
𝑣𝑐 𝑀+𝑚 8000+1200

Which is independent of the car’s acceleration.

2.1.37. A helicopter of mass 500kg hovers when its rotating blades move through an area of 45m². Find the
average speed imparted to air (density of air = 𝟏. 𝟑 kg/m³ and 𝒈 = 𝟗. 𝟖 m/s².)
Ans: Volume of air moving down per second = 𝐴𝑣, where 𝑣 is the air velocity moving down through an area 𝐴.
Mass of air moving down per second = 𝜌𝐴𝑣
∆𝑝 mass
𝐹= ∆𝑡
=( sec
) (∆𝑣) = 𝜌𝐴𝑣²
Reaction force upward = Helicopter’s weight
𝜌𝐴𝑣 2 = 𝑀𝑔
𝑀𝑔 500×9.8
𝑣 = √ 𝜌𝐴 = √ 1.3×45 = 9.15 m/s

2.1.38. A machine gun fires 100g bullets at a speed of 1000 m/s. The gunman holding the machine gun in his hands
can exert an average force of 150N against the gun. Find the maximum number of bullets that can be fired
per minute.
Ans: If 𝑣 is the velocity of each bullet of mass 𝑚 and 𝑛 the number of bullets that can be fired per second then rate of
change of momentum will be
∆𝑝
∆𝑡
= 𝑚𝑛𝑣 …(1)
∆𝑝
∴ ∆𝑡 = 𝐹 = 𝑚𝑛𝑣 … (2)
𝐹 150
𝑛= = (0.1)(1000) = 1.5/𝑠
𝑚𝑣
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Thus the number of bullets that can be fired per minute will be 60 × 1.5 = 90.
2.1.39. A small ball of mass 𝒎 is projected horizontally with velocity 𝒗. It hits a spring of spring constant 𝒌
attached inside an opening of a block resting on a frictionless horizontal surface. Find the compression of
the spring noting that the block will slide due to the impact (in figure).
Ans: We work out in the CM system. The total kinetic energy available in the CMS is

1
= 𝐾 ∗ = 2 𝜇𝑣² … (1)
𝑚𝑀
Where 𝜇 = 𝑚 + 𝑀 … (2)
Is the reduced mass.
1
If the compression of the spring is 𝑥 then the spring energy would be 2 𝑘𝑥². Equating the total kinetic energy
available in the CM-system to the spring energy
1 1
𝜇𝑣² = 𝑘𝑥²
2 2
𝜇 𝑚𝑚
𝑥 = 𝑣√ = 𝑣 √
𝑘 𝑘(𝑚+𝑀)

2.1.40. A bomb dropped from an airplane explodes in mid air. Prove that if air resistance is neglected, then the
CM describes a parabola.
1
Ans: 𝑥 = 𝑢𝑡, −𝑦 = + 2 𝑔𝑡²
Then the equation of trajectory of CM :
𝑔
𝑦 = − 2𝑢² 𝑥² ... (1)
[ ∴ here linear momentum conserved and also we know linear
momentum of Sum of product w.r.t origin is linear momentum of the
centre of mass w.r.t origin]
Now, equation (1) is a parabolic equation.
𝒎𝟏 𝒎𝟐 𝒗𝟐𝟏𝟐 +𝒎𝟐 𝒎𝟑 𝒗𝟐𝟐𝟑 +𝒎𝟏 𝒎𝟑 𝒗𝟐𝟏𝟑
2.1.41. For a three body system prove that K.E. of the system about CM is 𝟐(𝒎𝟏 +𝒎𝟐 +𝒎𝟑 )
.
Ans: Kinetic energy of the three body system about CM :
3
1 1 2
𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉𝑖 − 𝑀𝑉𝐶𝑀
2 2
𝑖=1
𝑉𝐶𝑀 = Velocity of the centre of mass
𝑉𝑖 = Velocity of the 𝑖th particle.
1 1 1 1
∴ 𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = 2 𝑚1 𝑉12 + 2 𝑚2 𝑉22 + 2 𝑚3 𝑉32 − 2 (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 + 𝑚3 )𝑉𝐶𝑀
2

⃗ ⃗ ⃗
⃗ 𝐶𝑀 = 𝑚1 𝑉1 +𝑚2 𝑉2 +𝑚3𝑉3
Now, 𝑉 𝑚 +𝑚 +𝑚 1 2 3
1
⃗ 𝐶𝑀 . 𝑉
Now 𝑉 ⃗ 𝐶𝑀 = 2
(𝑚 1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )

⃗1 . 𝑉
[𝑚12 𝑣12 + 𝑚22 𝑣22 + 𝑚32 𝑣32 + 2𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑉 ⃗ 2 + 2𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑉
⃗2 .𝑉
⃗ 3 + 2𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑉
⃗1 . 𝑉
⃗ 3]
Hence
1 1 1 1 (𝑚1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
K.𝐸𝐶𝑀 = 𝑚1 𝑉12 + 𝑚2 𝑉22 + 𝑚3 𝑉32 − [𝑚12 𝑣12 ⃗1 . 𝑉
+ 𝑚22 𝑣22 + 𝑚32 𝑣32 + 2𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑉 ⃗2 +
2 2 2 2 (𝑚1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )²
⃗2 .𝑉
2𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑉 ⃗ 3 + 2𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑉
⃗1 . 𝑉
⃗ 3]
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1 (𝑚 +𝑚 +𝑚 ) 1
Or, 𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = 2 (𝑚1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3) [𝑚1 𝑉12 + 𝑚2 𝑉22 + 𝑚3 𝑉32 ] − (𝑚1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
[𝑚12 𝑣12 + 𝑚22 𝑣22 + 𝑚32 𝑣32 −
1 2 3
2𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣1 𝑣2 + 2𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣2 𝑣3 + 2𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣1 𝑣3 ]
1 1
Or, 𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = 2 (𝑚 [𝑚12 𝑣12 + 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣22 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣12 + 𝑚22 𝑣22 + 𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣32 +
1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
1
𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚32 𝑣32 ] − 2(𝑚 [𝑚12 𝑣12 + 𝑚22 𝑣22 + 𝑚32 𝑣32 + 2𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣1 𝑣2 − 2𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣2 𝑣3 − 2𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣1 𝑣3 ]
1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
1
Or, 𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = 2(𝑚 [𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣22 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣12 + 𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣32 + 𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣32 −
1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
2𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣1 . 𝑣2 − 2𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣2 ⃗⃗⃗
. 𝑣3 − 2𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣1 . 𝑣3 ]
1 1
= [𝑚 𝑚 (𝑣 2 + 𝑣22 − 2. 𝑣1, 𝑣2 ) + 𝑚2 𝑚3 (𝑣22 + 𝑣32 − 2. 𝑣2, 𝑣3 )
2 (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 + 𝑚3 ) 1 2 1
+𝑚1 𝑚2 (𝑣12 + 𝑣32 − 2. 𝑣1, . 𝑣3 ) ]
1
Or, 𝐾. 𝐸𝐶𝑀 = [𝑚1 𝑚2 (𝑣1 − 𝑣2 )2 + 𝑚2 𝑚3 (𝑣2 − 𝑣3 )2 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 (𝑣1 − 𝑣3 )2 ]
2(𝑚1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )
1 2 2 2
= 2(𝑚 [𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑣12 + 𝑚2 𝑚3 𝑣23 + 𝑚1 𝑚3 𝑣13 ]
1 +𝑚2 +𝑚3 )

2.1.42. Define center of mass of a system of particles. Show that, kinetic energy of the system is equal to the
kinetic energy of a single particle of total mass 𝑴 situated at the center of the mass, together with
kinetic energy of the system of the particles with their motion relative to the center of mass.
Ans: ⚫ Center of Mass: It is the point where the whole
mass of the system is supposed to be concentrated.
Motion of the system remains unaltered, when
force acting on the system is directly applied to this
point. If force is applied through center of mass of
the system of a particle then there is no rotational
motion, only translation motion.
⚫ Kinetic Energy: 𝑟𝑖 = position of the ith particle
w.r.t origin.
𝑟′𝑖 = position of the ith particle w.r.t. center of mass
𝑅⃗ = position of center of mass w.r.t of origin.
∴ 𝑟𝑖 = 𝑅⃗ + 𝑟′𝑖
⃗ + 𝑣 ′𝑖
∴ 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑉
1
Kinetic energy of 𝑖𝑡ℎ particle w.r.t origin = 2 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 . 𝑣𝑖
1
Therefore, Total kinetic energy of the system of particles w. r. t origin = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 . 𝑣𝑖
2
𝑖
1
⃗ + 𝑣 ′𝑖 ) . (𝑉
= ∑ 𝑚𝑖 (𝑉 ⃗ + 𝑣 ′𝑖 )
2
𝑖
1 2 ⃗ . 𝑣 ′𝑖 )
= ∑ 𝑚𝑖 (𝑉 2 + 𝑣 ′ 𝑖 + 2𝑉
2
𝑖
1 1 2 ⃗ . 𝑣 ′𝑖
= ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉² + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′ 𝑖 + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
2 2
𝑖 𝑖 𝑖
1 1 2 1 1 𝑑
⃗ . 𝑣 ′𝑖 = 𝑀𝑉² + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′ 2𝑖 + 𝑉
= 𝑀𝑉² + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′ 𝑖 + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉 ⃗ . (∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 )
2 2 2 2 𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑖 𝑖 𝑖

1 1 2 𝑑
= 𝑀𝑉² + ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′ 𝑖 [𝐴𝑠 ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 = 0]
2 2 𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑖
= K. E of CM w.r.t origin + K.E. of system of particles w.r.t CM
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2.1. 43. Prove that for a system of particles, the total external torque is equal to the rate of change of angular
momentum of system provided that the internal force between the particle is central.
Ans: Let 𝐿⃗ be the angular momentum of the system of particles, 𝑝𝑖 is the linear momentum and 𝑟𝑖 be the position of
ith particle w.r.t. to origin.
We know, 𝐿⃗ = ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝑝𝑖
𝑖

𝑑𝐿⃗ 𝑑𝑟𝑖 𝑑𝑝𝑖

Torque, 𝜏= =∑ × 𝑝𝑖 + ∑ 𝑟𝑖 ×
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑖
𝑑𝑝𝑖
 𝜏 = ∑ 𝑣𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 + ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖 [∴ 𝐹𝑖 = ]
𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑖

 𝜏 = ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × (𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡 )[∴ 𝐹𝑖 = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡 ]

𝑖

[𝑚 ∑ 𝑣𝑖 × 𝑣𝑖 = 0]
𝑖

 𝜏 = ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡
𝑖 𝑖

[∴ 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡 = ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗 = Force on ith particle due to jth particle]

𝑖
 𝜏 = 𝜏 𝑒𝑥𝑡 + 𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡
Internal Torque,
Now, 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡 = ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗
𝑗

𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡
= ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡 = ∑(𝑟𝑖 × ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗 ) = ∑ ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑖𝑛𝑡
𝑖 𝑖 𝑗 𝑖 𝑗
The internal force is a central force and it acts along the line
joining the 𝑙𝑡ℎ and 𝑘𝑡ℎ particle.
𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 𝑟𝑘 × 𝐹𝑘𝑙 + 𝑟𝑙 × 𝐹𝑙𝑘
= 𝑟𝑘 × 𝐹𝑘𝑙 + 𝑟𝑖 × (−𝐹𝑘𝑙 )
= (𝑟𝑘 − 𝑟𝑙 ) × 𝐹𝑘𝑙 = 𝑟𝑘𝑙 × 𝐹𝑘𝑙
∴ 𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 𝑟𝑘𝑙 × 𝐹𝑘𝑙 = 0
[as the direction of 𝑟𝑘𝑙 & 𝐹𝑘𝑙 is same]
Therefore, for a system of particle
𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 0
⃗
𝑑𝐿
∴ 𝜏 = 𝜏 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = [Proved]
𝑑𝑡
2.1.44. A particle is moving under a force mutual interaction. Obtain the equation of motion for the reduced
mass.
Ans: We consider two masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are
separated by a distance |𝑟| and acted by the
external forces 𝐹1 , 𝐹2 and internal forces 𝐹12
and 𝐹21 respectively. The internal forces
satisfy Newton’s third law, i.e. 𝐹12 = −𝐹21
Equation of Motion for 𝑚2 :
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𝑑 2 𝑟1
𝑚1 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹12 … (1)
𝑑𝑡²
Equation of Motion for 𝑚2 :
𝑑 2 𝑟2
𝑚2 𝑑𝑡²
= 𝐹2 + 𝐹21 … (2)
𝑑 2 𝑟1 𝐹 𝐹
From equation (1) : 𝑑𝑡²
= 𝑚1 + 𝑚12 ...(1𝑎)
1 1

𝑑 2 𝑟2 𝐹 𝐹
From equation (2) : 𝑑𝑡²
= 𝑚2 + 𝑚21 ...(2𝑎)
2 2

Substracting (1a) from (2a) we get,

𝑑2 𝐹 𝐹 𝐹 𝐹
 𝑑𝑡 2 (𝑟2 − 𝑟1 ) = (𝑚1 − 𝑚2 ) + (𝑚12 − 𝑚21 )
1 2 1 2

We know, 𝐹12 = −𝐹21

𝑑2 𝐹1 𝐹2 𝐹 𝐹12
 (𝑟 − 𝑟1 ) = ( − ) + ( 12 + )
𝑑𝑡 2 2 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑚1 𝑚2
𝑑2 𝐹 𝐹 𝑚 + 𝑚2
 𝑑𝑡 2 (𝑟2 − 𝑟1 ) = (𝑚1 − 𝑚2 ) + 𝐹12 ( 𝑚1 )
1 2 1 𝑚2

𝑚 𝑚 𝑑2 𝑚 𝑚 𝐹 𝐹
(𝑚 1+ 𝑚2 ) 𝑑𝑡 2 (𝑟2 − 𝑟1 ) = (𝑚 1+ 𝑚2 ) (𝑚1 − 𝑚2 ) + 𝐹12
1 2 1 2 1 2

𝑚 𝑚 𝑑2 𝐹 𝐹2
Let, 𝜇 = (𝑚 1+ 𝑚2 ) 𝜇 𝑑𝑡 2
(𝑟) = 𝜇 (𝑚1 − 𝑚2
) + 𝐹12 … (3)
1 2 1
𝑑2
If, 𝐹1 = 𝐹2 = 0, then equation (3) will be  𝜇 (𝑟) = 𝐹12
𝑑𝑡 2
2.1.45. (a) Explain the term Center of Mass (CM) frame. Show that the total linear momentum is zero in the
center of mass frame.
⃗ is conserved. What kind of motion is
(b) Derive the condition for which the angular momentum 𝑳
expected for 𝑳 = 𝟎.
Ans: Center of Mass Frame : If the velocity of one frame with respect to a fixed frame is equal to the velocity of
its center of mass, then the frame is called center of mass frame.
• If the velocity of 𝑆′ frame with respect of 𝑆 frame = the velocity of center of mass, then 𝑆’ frame is called
Center of mass frame.
𝑣 ′ = velocity of particle at ′𝑃′ w.r.t 𝑆′
𝑣 = velocity of particle at ′𝑃′ w.r.t 𝑆
⃗ ′ = velocity of 𝑆′ w.r.t. 𝑆 frame.
𝑉
⃗⃗⃗ and 𝑣 ′ = 𝑣 − 𝑉
𝑟 ′ = 𝑟 − 𝑅; ⃗
⃗)
For 𝑖th particle, linear momentum w.r.t 𝑆′ frame is : 𝑝′𝑖 = 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 = 𝑚𝑖 (𝑣𝑖 − 𝑉
⃗
For a system of particles total linear momentum w.r.t 𝑆′ frame = ∑ 𝑝′𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 − ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
⃗ =𝑉
If the velocity of S’ frame w.r.t. 𝑆 frame is the velocity of center of mass, i.e. 𝑉 ⃗ 𝐶𝑀 , then the linear
momentum of system of particles :
⃗ 𝐶𝑀
= ∑ 𝑝′𝑖 = ∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 − ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 𝑣
⃗𝑖 ∑ 𝑖 𝑚𝑖 𝑣
⃗𝑖
= ∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 − ∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 . =0 ⃗ 𝐶𝑀 =
[𝑉 ]
∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 ∑ 𝑖 𝑚𝑖

∴ Total momentum w.r.t center of mass frame is always zero.

2.1.46. Consider a system of particles which intersect with one
another through pair wise central forces. Show by using
Newton’s second law and third law that the total angular
momentum of the system is constant.
Ans: 𝐹𝑖𝑗 = Force on the 𝑖 due to 𝑗
𝑟𝑖𝑗 = Position vector 𝑗 to 𝑖
 6

And 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 0 is given for all

𝑖 = 1, 2, 3, … … … … . . , 𝑁
The net force on the 𝑖th particle is :
∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ∑(𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗 )
𝑖 𝑖 𝑗
 Torque on the ith particle w.r.t O is given by:
𝜏𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ∑(𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗 )
𝑖 𝑗
Now torque on the system of particles w.r.t. O is given by :
𝜏 = ∑𝑖 𝜏𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑡 = ∑𝑖 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑𝑖 ∑𝑗 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗
According to Newton’s third law: 𝐹𝑗𝑖 = −𝐹𝑖𝑗
 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗 + 𝑟𝑗 × 𝐹𝑗𝑖 = (𝑟𝑖 − 𝑟𝑗 ) × 𝐹𝑖𝑗 = 𝑟𝑖𝑗 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗
Since 𝐹𝑖𝑗 is central, hence 𝑟𝑖𝑗 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗 = 0
 𝜏 = ∑𝑖 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡
𝑑
Now, 𝜏 = 𝑑𝑡 𝐿⃗ where 𝐿⃗ is the net angular momentum of the system about O.
𝑑
Since, 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 0  𝜏 = 0  𝐿⃗ = 0. Hence angular momentum is conserved.
𝑑𝑡
2.1.47. Show that for a system of particles the total linear momentum of the particles is equal to that of the
particle of mass equal to the total mass of the particles laces at their CM.
∑𝑚 𝑟
Ans: 𝑅⃗ = Position vector of CM w.r.t origin = ∑ 𝑖 𝑖
𝑚𝑖
⃗ = velocity of CM w.r.t origin
𝑉
𝑑𝑟𝑖
𝑑 ∑ 𝑚𝑖 ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖
𝑑𝑡
= (𝑅⃗ ) = =
𝑑𝑡 ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑀
 M𝑉
⃗ = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 = ∑ 𝑝𝑖

 Linear momentum of the system of particles is equal to

momentum of mass equal to the total mass placed at its CM.
2.1.48. Consider the motion of two mass point 𝒎𝟏 and 𝒎𝟐 . Show that the K.E. of the particles in the central
𝟏
⃗ ̇ ² where 𝒓
mass frame of reference is equal to 𝟐 𝝁𝒓 ⃗ is the relative position vector of the particles and 𝝁 is
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
the reduced mass given by 𝝁 = 𝒎 + 𝒎
𝟏 𝟐

Ans: Here,
𝑣1 = velocity of 𝑚1 w.r.t 𝑆 frame
𝑣 ′1 = velocity of 𝑚1 w.r.t 𝑆′ frame
 7

𝑣2 = velocity of 𝑚2 w.r.t 𝑆 frame

𝑣 ′2 = velocity of 𝑚2 w.r.t 𝑆′ frame
𝑣𝐶𝑀 = velocity of 𝐶𝑀 w.r.t 𝑆 frame
From figure,
⃗ 𝐶𝑀
𝑣 ′1 = 𝑣1 − 𝑉
⃗ 𝐶𝑀
𝑣 ′2 = 𝑣2 − 𝑉
⃗ 1 +𝑚2 𝑣
𝑚1 𝑣 ⃗2
𝑣 ′1 = 𝑣1 −
𝑚1 +𝑚2
⃗ 1 𝑚1 +𝑣
𝑣 ⃗ 1 𝑚2 −𝑚1 𝑣
⃗ 1 +𝑚2 𝑣
⃗2
= 𝑚1 +𝑚2
⃗ 1 −𝑣
𝑚2 (𝑣 ⃗ 2) ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑣
𝑚 ⃗
= 𝑚1 +𝑚2
= 𝑚 2+𝑚
12
1 2

Here 𝑣12 = velocity of 𝑚1 w.r.t 𝑚2

⃗
𝑚 𝑣
Similarly, 𝑣 ′2 = 𝑚 1+𝑚
21
and 𝑣21 = velocity of 𝑚2 w.r.t 𝑚1
1 2
1 1
Kinetic Energy w.r.t centra mass frame = 2 𝑚1 𝑣 ′12 + 2 𝑚2 𝑣 ′22
1 𝑚2 𝑣⃗ 12 2 1 𝑚1 𝑣⃗ 21 2
= 𝑚1 | | + 𝑚2 | |
2 𝑚1 +𝑚2 2 𝑚1 +𝑚2
1 𝑚22 1 𝑚12
= 𝑚1 𝑣2 + 𝑚2 𝑣2
2 (𝑚1 +𝑚2 )² 12 2 (𝑚1 +𝑚2 )² 21
1 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑚 𝑣2 𝑚 𝑣2
=2 𝑚1 +𝑚2
[𝑚 2+𝑚
12
+ 𝑚 1+𝑚
12
]
1 2 1 2
1 𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑚 +𝑚 2
= . 1 2 𝑣12
2 𝑚1 +𝑚2 𝑚1 +𝑚2
1 𝑚1 𝑚2 ²̇
= 2 𝜇𝑟 ²̇ [∴ 𝑣12 = relative velocity = 𝑟 ²̇ ]
1 2
=2 𝑚1 +𝑚2
𝑟
2.1.49. Prove that for a system of particles, the total angular
momentum about any point is the sum of the angular
momentum about that point of the total mass located at
its center of mass and the angular momentum of the
individual particles about the center of mass.
Ans: Let us consider a system consist of 𝑛 number of particles. Let
𝑟𝑖 be the position vector of the 𝑖th particle w.r.t to the origin
and 𝑅⃗ be the position vector of the center of mass of the
system.
∴ Position vector of the 𝑖th particle w.r.t center of mass is
given by, 𝑟′𝑖 = 𝑟𝑖 − 𝑅⃗
 𝑟𝑖 = 𝑟′𝑖 + 𝑅⃗ ... (1)
Where
𝑣𝑖 = velocity of the 𝑖th
particle w.r.t origin
⃗ ...(2)
Differentiating w.r.t we get: 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑣 ′𝑖 + 𝑉 𝑣 ′𝑖 = velocity of the 𝑖th
particle w.r.t CM
⃗ = velocity of CM
𝑉
∴ Total angular momentum of the system is given by
𝐿⃗ = ∑ 𝐿⃗𝑖 = ∑ 𝑟𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣𝑖 [Where m1 is the mass of the ith particle]
𝑖 𝑖

= ∑(𝑟′𝑖 + 𝑅⃗ ) × 𝑚𝑖 (𝑣 ′𝑖 + 𝑉
⃗ ) [Using equation (1) and equation (2)]
 8

⃗ + ∑ 𝑅⃗ × 𝑚1 𝑣 ′𝑖 + ∑ 𝑅⃗ × 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
= ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚1 𝑣 ′𝑖 + ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑉 ⃗ … (3)
𝑖 𝑖 𝑖 𝑖
𝑑
But, ∑ 𝑅⃗ × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 = 𝑅⃗ × ∑ ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 = 0
𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑖 𝑖
Since linear momentum w. r. t C. M. i. e. ∑𝑖 𝑚𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 = 0
⃗ = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑟𝑖 × 𝑉
Also, ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑉 ⃗ =0
𝑖 𝑖
Hence the equation (3) reduced to :
𝐿⃗ = ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 + ∑ 𝑅⃗ × 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
⃗
𝑖 𝑖

= ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 + 𝑅⃗ × ∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑉
⃗
𝑖 𝑖

= ∑ 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 + (𝑅⃗ × 𝑀𝑉
⃗)
𝑖
[where ∑𝑖 𝑚 = 𝑀 = Total mass of the system]

Where 𝑅⃗ × 𝑀𝑉 ⃗ represents angular momentum of total mass concentrated at the center of mass about the point
O; and ∑𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝑚𝑖 𝑣 ′𝑖 represents total angular momentum of individual particles about the center of mass.
2.1.50. A nucleus at rest undergoes spontaneous radio active decay by emitting an electron of momentum
𝟏. 𝟕𝟑 𝑴𝒆𝑽/𝒄 and at right angles to the direction of the electron, a neutrino recoils. What is the
momentum? Here ′𝒄′ is the velocity of light.
Ans: 𝑃1 = 1.73 𝑀𝑒𝑉/𝐶
𝑃2 = 100 MeV/C frame
𝑃𝑓 =?
Before decay, let the nucleus be at rest. After decay, let the situation be depicted by the diagram on left.
According to the diagram and the co-ordinate system :
𝑃⃗1 = 𝑃1 𝑥̂ & 𝑃⃗2 = 𝑃2 (−𝑦̂)
𝑃⃗𝑓 = 𝑃𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃(−𝑥̂) + 𝑃𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑦̂
Since, there is zero net external force on the system in all direction. Hence, the law of conservation of
momentum can be applied:
∴ Along the 𝑥-axis : ⃗0 = 𝑃⃗1 + (𝑃⃗𝑓 . 𝑥̂)𝑥̂
 0 = 𝑃1 − 𝑃𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑃
 cos 𝜃 = 𝑃1 ... (1)
𝑓

∴ Along the y-axis : ⃗0 = −𝑃⃗2 + (𝑃⃗𝑓 . 𝑦̂)𝑦̂

𝑃1
 0 = −𝑃2 + 𝑃𝑓 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
√𝑝12 +𝑝22

𝑃
 sin 𝜃 = 𝑃2 ... (2)
𝑓

Dividing equation (2) by equation (1), we get:

𝑃 𝑃 100
tan𝜃 = 𝑃2  θ = tan−1 (𝑃2 ) = tan−1 (1.73) = 89.008°
2 1
𝑃 1.73 𝑀𝑒𝑣
Which is the required angle; and 𝑃𝑓 = cos1 𝜃 = cos(89.008°) = 99.92 𝐶
.
2.1.51. Two particles of mass 𝒎𝟏 and 𝒎𝟐 moves under mutually interaction (central force). Set up the equation
of motion of the system and find an expression for reduced mass.
 9

Ans: Let the masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are separated by a distance 𝑟 and acted on by internal forces 𝐹12 , 𝐹21 respectively.
Where 𝐹12 = −𝐹21 .
The equation of motion of the two particles are :
𝑑 2 𝑟1
𝑚1 𝑑𝑡 2
= 𝐹12 ...(1)
𝑑 2 𝑟2
𝑚2 𝑑𝑡 2
= 𝐹21 ...(2)
Where 𝑟1 and 𝑟2 are position vector of point A and B w.r.t some fixed point O. Now multiplying equation (1)
by 𝑚2 and equation (2) by 𝑚1 and subtracting them, we get :
𝑑2
𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑑𝑡 2 (𝑟1 − 𝑟2 ) = (𝑚2 𝐹12 − 𝑚1 𝐹21 )
𝑟 = 𝑟1 − 𝑟2
𝑑2
𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑑𝑡 2 𝑟 = (𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )𝐹12 … (3)

Since, 𝐹12 = −𝐹21 and 𝑟 = (𝑟1 − 𝑟2 )

Dividing both sides of the equation (3) by(𝑚1 + 𝑚2 )
𝑚1 𝑚2 𝑑 2
𝑚1 +𝑚2 𝑑𝑡 2
𝑟 = 𝐹12
𝑑2
𝜇 𝑑𝑡 2 𝑟 = 𝐹12 This is the required equation of motion
𝑚1 𝑚2
Here 𝜇 = 𝑚1 +𝑚2
is called Reduced Mass.

2.1.52. (a) Establish, the equation 𝑴𝑹 ⃗⃗ ̈ = 𝑭

⃗ for a system of particles, where 𝑴 is the total mass of the system, 𝑹
⃗⃗
⃗
is the position vector of its CM and 𝑭 is the total external force applied on the system.
(b) Prove that, the position of CM is unique in case of a system of
particles.
Ans: (a) Force acting on the 𝑖th particle :
𝐹𝑖 = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡
𝑗=1
𝑖≠𝑗

From Newton’s 3rd Law : 𝐹12 = −𝐹21

𝑑2
Now, ∑ 2 (𝑚𝑖 𝑟𝑖 ) = ∑(𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡 )
𝑑𝑡
𝑖 𝑗=1 𝑗=1
𝑖≠𝑗 𝑖≠𝑗

So, the suffix 𝑖, 𝑗 are dummy index & can be interchanged

𝑁 𝑁 𝑁 𝑁

∴ ∑ ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗 = ∑ ∑ 𝐹𝑗𝑖
𝑖=1 𝑗=1 𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑖≠𝑗 𝑖≠𝑗

According Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion : 𝐹12 = −𝐹21

𝑁 𝑁 𝑁 𝑁
1
∴ ∑ ∑ 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡 = ∑ ∑(𝐹𝑖𝑗 + 𝐹𝑗𝑖 )
2
𝑖=1 𝑗=1 𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑖≠𝑗 𝑖≠𝑗
𝑁 𝑁
1
= ∑ ∑(𝐹𝑖𝑗 − 𝐹𝑖𝑗 ) = 0
2
𝑖=1 𝑗=1
𝑖≠𝑗
Hence, therefore, total internal force is zero.
From equation (1)
 10

𝑑2
∑ (𝑚 𝑟 ) = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝑀𝑅⃗̈ 𝐶𝑀
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑖 𝑖
𝑖
⃗ 𝐶𝑀
𝑑²𝑅
 𝑀 ∑𝑖 𝑑𝑡²
= ∑𝑖 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝐹𝑖𝑒𝑥𝑡
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑟𝑖 , 𝑂′𝑂
(b) to prove this, we take some other point 𝑂′ as the origin and 𝑃𝑖 the 𝑖th particle of the body. 𝑂′𝑃 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑑
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ =𝑟′𝑖
and 𝑂′𝑃
∴ 𝑟′𝑖 = 𝑑 + 𝑟𝑖
Now, if G be the C.M. w.r.t the new origin 𝑂′ , then from definition:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂′𝐺"𝑖 = 𝑟𝑖 = ∑(𝑑 + 𝑟𝑖 )
𝑖

1 1
= [(∑ 𝑚𝑖 ) 𝑑 + (∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝑟𝑖 )]
𝑀 𝑀
𝑖 𝑖
𝑀
= 𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |𝐶𝑀
+ 𝑂𝐺
𝑀

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ [𝐴𝑠, ∑ 𝑚𝑖 = 𝑀]
= 𝑑 + 𝑂𝐺
𝑖

∴ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂′ 𝐺 ′ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂′ 𝑂 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂𝐺
∴ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂′ 𝐺 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑂′ 𝑂 + 𝑂𝐺
∴ 𝐺′ is thus a point co-incident with the point 𝐺 i.e.
they are the same point. So, the center of the mass 𝐺 of
a body is a fixed point whatever be the co-ordinate
system used.
2.1.53. Calculate the reduced mass of 𝑪𝑶 and 𝑯𝒄𝒍 molecules atomic nos of 𝑯, 𝑪, 𝑶, Cl atoms are 1, 12, 16, 35.5
respectively, 1 𝒂𝒎𝒖 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟐𝟕 𝒌𝒈.
1 1 −1 1 1 −1
Ans: 𝜇(𝑐𝑜) = ( + ) =( + ) × 1.67 × 10−27 𝑘𝑔
𝜇(𝑐) 𝜇(𝑂) 12 16

= 1.145 × 10−26 𝑘𝑔.

1 1 −1 1 −1
𝜇(𝐻𝐶𝑙) = (𝜇(𝐻) + 𝜇(𝐶𝑙)) = (1 + 35.5) × 1.67 × 10−27 𝑘𝑔
= 1.62 × 10−27 𝑘𝑔
2.1.54. Prove the torque about any point 𝑷 is equal to the time rate change of angular momentum about 𝑷 if
and only if –
(a) 𝑷 is a fixed point.
(b) 𝑷 (i) coincides with CM, (ii) coincides with center of mass means origin is taken in CM.
Ans: For this case,
𝑟𝑖 = 𝑟′𝑖
Or, 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑣 ′𝑖
𝐿⃗ = 𝐿⃗′ + 𝐿⃗𝐶𝑀
Here, 𝐿⃗ = 𝐿⃗′
∴ 𝐿⃗𝐶𝑀 = 0
𝐹𝑖 = 𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑𝑗 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡
⃗ ′𝑖 = 𝑟 ′𝑖 × 𝐹 ′𝑖
𝑁
= 𝑟′𝑖 × (𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑𝑗 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡 )
 11

= 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡 + 𝑟′𝑖 × ∑𝑗 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡

⃗ ′𝑖 = ∑𝑖 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑𝑖 ∑𝑗 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡
∴ 𝑁′𝑖 = ∑ 𝑁
= ∑𝑖 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑒𝑥𝑡 + ∑𝑖𝑗 𝑟′𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡
⃗ 𝑒𝑥𝑡 + 𝑁
=𝑁 ⃗ 𝑖𝑛𝑡
⃗ 𝑖𝑛𝑡 = ∑𝑖𝑗 𝑟𝑖 × 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡
Now, 𝑁
1
= 2 ∑𝑖𝑗(𝑟𝑖 − 𝑟𝑗 ) × 𝐹𝑖𝑗𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 0
⃗′ ⃗
⃗ =𝑁
∴𝑁 ⃗ 𝑒𝑥𝑡 ⃗ = 𝑑𝐿 = 𝑑𝐿
𝑁 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

_________