Statement-1: In a system of two particles, if no external force acts on the system, the velocity of the center of mass remains constant. Statement-2: The acceleration of the center of mass of a system

Question

Statement-1: In a system of two particles, if no external force acts on the system, the velocity of the center of mass remains constant.

Statement-2: The acceleration of the center of mass of a system of particles is given by $a_{CM} = \frac{F _{e x t}}{M}$ , where $F_{e x t}$ is the net external force and $M$ is the total mass of the system.

TestHub · Accepted Answer

Statement-2 is a direct application of Newton's second law for a system of particles, stating that F e x t ​ = M a CM ​ . If no external force acts on the system, then F e x t ​ = 0 , which implies a CM ​ = 0 . If the acceleration of the center of mass is zero, its velocity must be constant. Therefore, Statement-1 is true, and Statement-2 correctly explains Statement-1.

Physics - Center of Mass Question with Solution | TestHub

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