Physics - Center of Mass Question with Solution | TestHub

The atom hits an equal-mass end atom elastically: the atom stops and the struck atom moves at$v_0$. COM of the whole system$=\frac{M{v}_0}{3M}=\frac{v_0}{3}\ne \frac{2v_0}{3}$ - (A) false. Max spring energy$=\frac{1}{2}\mu v_0^2=\frac{1}{2}\cdot \frac{M}{2}{v}_0^2=\frac{M{v}_0^2}{4}$ - (B) true. Molecule's$\mathrm{COM}=\frac{M{v}_0}{2M}=\frac{v_0}{2}$ and momentum$=M{v}_0$ - (C), (D) true. Answer: (B), (C), (D)