CENTRE OF MASS Page # 3

1. CENTRE OF MASS :
Every physical system has associated with it a certain point whose motion characterises the motion of
the whole system. When the system moves under some external forces, then this point moves as if the
entire mass of the system is concentrated at this point and also the external force is applied at this
point for translational motion. This point is called the centre of mass of the system.

1.1 Centre of Mass of a System of ‘N’ Discrete Particles :

Consider a system of N point masses m1, m2, m3, .................... mn whose position vectors from origin
   
O are given by r1, r2 , r3 .............. rn respectively. Then the position vector of the centre of mass C of
the system is given by.
Y
. . . .. . .. . . .
. . . ..m...1 .. ..C. ..m..2
.. .. . . .. . . . . .. .. .
. . .. .. . . . r2.. .
 .. . . . . . .. . .m.
r1 .. . .. . .. .. .n
. rn

m

rc

O x
n


  
m r  m 2 r2 ...........mn rn 
m r
i 1
i i
1
n
 11
 
rcm ; rcm  n
rcm  m r i i
m1  m 2 .........mn M i 1

i 1
m i

where, mi ri is called the moment of mass of particle with respect to origin.

 n 
M    m i is the total mass of the system.
 i 1

 
Further, r i  xi i  y i j  zik and r COM  xCOM i  y COM j  zCOMk
So, the cartesian co-ordinates of the COM will be
n

m x
i 1
i i
m1x1  m 2 x 2 ......mn xn
 n
xCOM = m1  m 2 ....... mn
m i 1
i

or xCOM =
m x
i 1
i i

M
n n

 mi y i m z i i
Similarly, yCOM = i 1 and i 1
z COM 
M M
Note :
n

• If the origin is taken at the centre of mass then m r
i1
i i = 0. hence, the COM is the point about which
the sum of “mass moments” of the system is zero.
   
• If we change the origin then r1, r2 , r3 ....... changes. So rcm also changes but exact location of center of
mass does not change.
 Page # 4 CENTRE OF MASS

1.2 Position of COM of two particles : -

Consider two particles of masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance l as shown in figure.
m1 C m2
l
Let us assume that m1 is placed at origin and m2 is placed at position (l, 0) and the distance of centre
of mass from m1 & m2 is r1 & r2 respectively.
m1x1  m 2 x2
So xCOM = m1  m 2
r1 C r2
0  m2l m2l
r1 = m  m = m m ...(1) (0,0) m1
1 2 1 2 m2
l
m2l m1l
r2 = l – = m m...(2)
m1  m 2 1 2
From the above discussion, we see that

l
r1 = r2 = if m1 = m2, i.e., COM lies midway between the two particles of equal masses.
2
Similarly, r1 > r2 if m1 < m2 and r1 < r2 if m2 < m1 i.e., COM is nearer to the particle having larger mass.
From equation (1) & (2)
m1r1 = m2r2 ...(3)
Centre of mass of two particle system lie on the line joining the centre of mass of two particle system.

Ex.1 Two particle of mass 1 kg and 2 kg are located at x = 0 and x = 3 m. Find the position of their
centre of mass.

m1=1kg COM m2=2kg

Sol. x=0 x=x x=3

r1=x r2=(3–x)
Since, both the particles lie on x-axis, the COM will also lie on x-axis. Let the COM is located at x = x,
then
r1 = distance of COM from the particle of mass 1 kg = x
and r2 = distance of COM from the particle of mass 2 kg = (3 – x)
r1 m 2
Using 
r2 m1
x 2
or 
3–x 1
or x=2m
thus, the COM of the two particles is located at x = 2m.

Ex.2 Two particle of mass 4 kg & 2kg are located as shown in figure then find out the position of
centre of mass.
y 2kg
5m

4kg 37°
(0,0) x
Sol. First find out the position of 2 kg mass
x2kg = 5 cos 37° = 4 m
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 5

y2kg = 5 sin 37° = 3 m

So these system is like two particle system of mass 4 kg and 2kg are located (0, 0) and (4, 3)
respectively. then
m1x1  m 2 x2 024 8 4
xcom = = = =
m1  m 2 42 6 3

m1y1  m 2 y 2 032 4kg 2kg

ycom =
m1  m 2
=
42
=1m
(0,0) r C (4,3)
4 
So position of C.O.M is  , 1
3 

Ex.3 Two particles of mass 2 kg and 4 kg lie on the same line. If 4 kg is displaced rightwards by 5m
then by what distance 2 kg should be move for which centre of mass will remain at the same
position.
Sol. Let us assume that C.O.M. lie at point C and the distance of C from 2kg and 4kg particles are r1 & r2
respectively. Then from relation
2kg C 4kg
r1 r2
m1r1 = m2r2
2r1 = 4r2 ...(i)
Now 4kg is displaced rightwards by 5m then assume 2kg is displaced leftwards by x distance to keep
the C.O.M. at rest.
from relation m1r1 = m2r2
 m1(r1 + x) = m2 (r2 + y)
2(r1 + x) = 4(r2 + 5) ...(ii) 2kg C 4kg
r1 r2 y
2x = 20 x
x = 10 m
To keep the C.O.M at rest 2 kg displaced 10 m left wards
Aliter : If centre of mass is at rest then we can write
m1x = m2y
2×x=4×5
x = 10 m

Ex.4 Two particles of mass 1 kg and 2 kg lie on the same line. If 2kg is displaced 10m rightwards
then by what distance 1kg should displaced so that centre of mass will displaced 2m right
wards.
Sol. Initially let us assume that C.O.M is at point C which is r1 & r2 distance apart from mass m1 & m2
respectively as shown in figure.
1kg C 2kg
r1 r2

from relation m1 r1 = m2 r2
 (1) r1 = 2r2
Now 2kg is displaced 10 m rightwards then we assume that 1 kg is displaced x m leftward to move the
C.O.M 2m rightwards.
So from relation m1r1 = m2r2

1kg C C' 2kg

r1 r2 10m
x
2m
 Page # 6 CENTRE OF MASS

 1 (x + r1 + 2) = 2 (10 + r2 – 2)
 x + r1 + 2 = 20 + 2r2 – 4 ...(ii)
from eq. (i) & (ii) x = 14m (leftwards)

Ex.5 Three particles of mass 1 kg, 2 kg, and 3 kg are placed at the corners A, B and C respectively of
an equilateral triangle ABC of edge 1m. Find the distance of their centre of mass from A.
Sol. Assume that 1kg mass is placed at origin as shown in figure.
co-ordinate of A = (0, 0)

1 3
co-ordinate of B = (1cos60°,1sin60°) =  2 , 2 
 
co-ordinate of C = (1, 0)

B 2kg
y

1m 1m

A 60° C
(0,0) 1kg 1m 3kg x

Let us assume that position of C.O.M is given by


rcom = xcom i + ycom j

m A x A  mB xB  m C xC
Now xcom = m A  mB  m C

 1
1( 0)  2   3(1) 4 2
=  2 = =
6 3
1 2  3

 3
1( 0)  2   3( 0) 3
ycom =  2  =
6
1 2  3

2 3
Position of centre of mass =  3 , 6 
 

2 2
 2  3 19
distance of C.O.M from point A =      = m
 3  6  6
1.3 Centre of Mass of a Continuous Mass Distribution
For continuous mass distribution the centre of mass can be located by replacing summation sign with
an integral sign. Proper limits for the integral are chosen according to the situation

x cm 
 xdm , y cm 
 y dm , z cm 
 zdm
...(i)
 dm  dm  dm
 dm = M (mass of the body)
here x,y,z in the numerator of the eq. (i) is the coordinate of the centre of mass of the dm mass.
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 7

 1 
rcm = rdm 
M
Note :
• If an object has symmetric mass distribution about x axis then y coordinate of COM is zero and vice-versa
(a) Centre of Mass of a Uniform Rod
Suppose a rod of mass M and length L is lying along the x-axis with its one end at x = 0 and the other at
M
x = L. Mass per unit length of the rod  =
L
Hence, dm, (the mass of the element dx situated at x = x is) =  dx
The coordinates of the element dx are (x, 0, 0). Therefore, x-coordinate of COM of the rod will be
dx

x=0 x=x x=L

L L
 xdm  ( x)dx  1
0 0
L
x dx 
L
xCOM = =
L =  L
dm L 0 2
   dx
0 0

The y-coordinate of COM is

yCOM =
 y dm = 0
 dm
Similarly, zCOM = 0

L 
i.e., the coordinates of COM of the rod are  , 0, 0 , i.e, it lies at the centre of the rod.
2 

Ex.6 A rod of length L is placed along the x-axis between x = 0 and x = L. The linear density (mass/
length)  of the rod varies with the distance x from the origin as  = Rx. Here, R is a positive
constant. Find the position of centre of mass of this rod.
Sol. Mass of element dx situated at x = x is
dm =  dx = R x dx
The COM of the element has coordinates (x, 0, 0). Therefore, x-coordinates of COM of the rod will be
L L

x COM 
 xdm   ( x )(Rx )dx
0 0
L
 dm  (Rx )dx 0

y
L
x  3
L
R x 2 dx  
0  3  0 2L dx
  
L L 3 x=x x
R  xdx  x2  x=0 x=L
0  
 2  0

The y-coordinates of COM of the rod is y COM 

 y dm  0 (as y = 0)
 dm
Similarly, zCOM = 0

 2L 
Hence, the centre of mass of the rod lies at  , 0, 0 
3 
 Page # 8 CENTRE OF MASS

(b) Centre of mass of a Semicircular Ring :

Figure shows the object (semi circular ring). By observation we can say that the x-coordinate of the
centre of mass of the ring is zero as the half ring is symmetrical about y-axis on both sides of the
origin. Only we are required to find the y-coordinate of the centre of mass.

Y Y

Rd

y  R sin 
ycm d
ycm

X X
R

To find ycm we use ycm 

 (dm)y ...(i)
 dm
Here y is the position of C.O.M. of dm mass
Here for dm we consider an elemental arc of the ring at an angle  from the x-direction of angular width
d. If radius of the ring is R then its y coordinate-will be R sin, here dm is given as
dm  Rd
where  = mass density of semi circular ring.
So from equation ----(i), we have


 Rd(Rsin )
0 R

y cm   sin  d

 
 Rd
0
0

2R
y cm  ...(ii)

(c) Centre of mass of Semicircular Disc :
Figure shows the half disc of mass M and radius R. Here, we are only required to find the y-coordinate
of the centre of mass of this disc as centre of mass will be located on its half vertical diameter. Here to
find ycm, we consider a small elemental ring of mass dm of radius r on the disc (disc can be considered
to be made up such thin rings of increasing radii) which will be integrated from 0 to R. Here dm is given
as
dm   rdr
where  is the mass density of the semi circular disc.
M 2M
= 2

R / 2 R 2
Y Y
ycm

ycm dr

r
X X
R R
2r
Now the y-coordinate of the element is taken as , (as in previous section, we have derived that the

 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 9

2R
centre of mass of a semi circular ring is concentrated at )
R 

 dm . y
y cm  0 R

 dm
0

Here y is the position COM of dm mass.

R
2r
0
 dm  R
4 4R
Here ycm is given as y cm  R  r 2 dr  y cm 
 R 2 3
 rdr
0
0

(d) Centre of mass of a Hollow Hemisphere :

A hollow hemisphere of mass M and radius R. Now we consider an elemental circular strip of angular
width d at an angular distance  from the base of the hemisphere. This strip will have an area.
dS  2R cos  Rd
Y Y

Rcos
Rd

ycm

X X
R R
Its mass dm is given as dm  2RcosRd
Here  is the mass density of a hollow hemisphere
M
=
2 R 2
Here y-coordinate of this strip of mass dm can be taken as R sin. Now we can obtain the centre of
mass of the system as.
 
2 2
2
 dmR sin   2R 
cos d R sin 
2
y cm  0 0
R
/2  /2
2
 sin  cos  d  O
 dm
0
 2R cos d  0

R
y cm 
2 y
(e) Centre of mass of a Solid Cone :
A solid cone has mass M, height H and base radius R. r H
Obviously the centre of mass of this cone will lie somewhere dy
on its axis, at a height less than H/2. To locate the centre
of mass we consider an elemental disc of width dy and
radius r, at a distance y from the apex of the cone. Let the
mass of this disc be dm, which can be given as

dm =  × r2 dy
Here  is the mass density of the solid cone
R
 Page # 10 CENTRE OF MASS

here ycm can be given as

H
1
y cm   y dm
M
0
H
1  3M  Ry  2 
    dy y
M  R 2H  H  
0  
H
3 3 3H

H3 y
0
dy 
4
(f) C.O.M of a solid Hemisphere : -
A hemisphere is of mass density  and radius R To find its centre of mass (only y co-ordinate) we
consider an elemental hollow hemispshere of radius r on the solid hemisphere (solid hemisphere can be
considered to be made up such hollow hemisphere of increasing radii) which will be integrate from O to
R.

solid
hemisphere
R

dr
Here y Co-ordinate of centre of mass of elemental hollow hemisphere is (0, r/2, 0)

dm =  2r2 dr

R R
2
 dm. y  (2r
0
)dr (r / 2)
3R
0 y CM 
yCM = R ; R ; yCM =
2
8
 dm  .2r
0
. dr
0

(g) Centre of mass of Triangular Plate :

A triangular plate has mass density  height H and base is 2R. Obviously the centre of mass of this
plate will lie some where on its axis at a height less than H/2. To locate the centre of mass we consider
an elemental rod of width dy and length 2r at a distance y from the apex of the plate. Let the mass of
this rod be dm which can be gives as
dm =  (2r) dy
from the theorem of triangle
H y
 y
R r
r H
Ry
 r= rod
H dy
Here YCM can be given as

H H
ydm
 0
 (2r )dy. y
0
yCM = H
; yCM =
H

 dm
0
 (2r ) dy
0
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 11

H
2Ry
 (
0
H
)ydy
2H
yCM = ; yCM =
H 3
2Ry
 (
0
H
) dy

2. COMBINATION OF STRUCTURE :

Ex.7 Two circular disc having radius R and mass density  and 2 respectively are placed as shown
in figure. Then find out the position of COM of the system.

T
R R
O O'

A B
2
Sol. Mass of disc A mA = R
Mass of disc B mB = 2R2
Due to symmetry the COM of disc A lie at point O and COM O C
O'
of disc B lie at point O. So we realize the above mA mB
problem in a following way x
Centre of mass due to both the disc lie at point C (assume), 2R
having distance x from mA

mB (2R) 2R2 (2R) 4R

 x ; x ; x
m A  mB ( R2  2R2 ) 3
4R
So the centre of mass lie in the disc B having distance from O.
3
Ex.8 Find out the position of centre of mass of the figure shown below.
2R

R
2R
B rectangular
A C plate
Sol.
Plate
2R
We divide the above problem in two parts
(i) First find out position of centre of mass of both semicircular plate and rectangular plate separately.
(ii) Then find the position of centre of mass of given structure .
4R
Centre of mass of semicircular disc lie at
3
4R
 AB 
3
Centre of mass of rectangular plate lie at the centre of plate at point C
 BC = R
 mSC mR

R 2
mSC  ; mR   4 R2
2
C
 m sc r1 mR
 Page # 12 CENTRE OF MASS

 Let us assume COM is at r1 distance from mR

R 2  4R 
. R  
2  3  R (3   4)
 r1  2  r1  Ans.
R 3(   8)
.   4R 2
2
3. CAVITY PROBLEMS :
If some mass or area is removed from a rigid body then the position of centre of mass of the remaining
portion is obtained by assuming that in a remaining part +m & – m mass is there. Further steps are
explained by following example.

Ex.9 Find the position of centre of mass of the uniform lamina shown in figure. If the mass density of
t he lam ina is  .
y

a
x

Sol. We assume that in remaining portion a disc of radius a/2 having mass density + is there then we also
include one disc of a/2 radius having – mass density. So now the problem change in following form

–

a/2 O O' 
a –
O + O'

a/2
A B
So the centre of mass of both disc A & B lie in their respective centre such as O & O'.
Now
mA a / 2 O C O'
 C.O.M. of the lamina  m  m
A B m A a/2 m B

mA =  ( a2)
a2
mB = –  () (a/2)2 = –  
4
a 2 . a / 2
a3 / 2 a3 4 2a
 c= 2 = ;  2 
2 a 3 a 2
/ 4 2 3 a 3
a – 
4
i.e., C.O.M lie on leftward side from point O.
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 13

Ex.10 Find out the position of centre of mass of the uniform lamina as shown in figure.

R
4R

Sol. We assume that a disc of radius R having mass density ±  is in the removed section.
Now the problem change in following form


 –
R – O
O O'
O' 4R +
= R

R
When disc of mass density + and radius R is include than a complete rectangular plate is make having
centre of mass at point O. When consider only disc having mass density –  and radius R then C.O.M of
this disc lie at point O
O' O
–R2 R (4R) 2
Then the position of C.O.M

( 4R) 2 .R 16R3 16 R
= = =
– R2  (4R2 ) R2 (16 – ) 16 – 
i.e., centre of mass lie in the rightwards side from the cavity.

Ex.11 The centre of mass of rigid body always lie inside the body. Is this statement true or false?
Sol. False.

Ex.12 The centre of mass always lie on the axis of symmetry if it exists. Is this statement true of
false?
Sol. True

Ex.13 If all the particles of a system lie in y-z plane, the x-coordinate of the centre of mass will be
zero. Is this statement true or not?
Sol. True

4. MOTION OF CENTRE OF MASS AND CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM: -

The position of centre of mass is given by

  
 m r  m 2 r 2  m 3 r 3  ........
r COM  1 1 ....(1)
m1  m 2  m 3  .......
  
Here m1, m2, m3 ..... are the mass in the system and r1, r2 , r3 ......... is the corresponding position vector of
m1, m2, m3 respectively
 Page # 14 CENTRE OF MASS

4.1 Velocity of C.O.M of system :

To find the velocity of centre of mass we differentiate equation (1) with respect to time
  
dr1 dr2 dr3
 m1  m2  m3 .......
drcom dt dt dt

dt m1  m 2  m 3 .........
  
d r1 dr dr
 m1  m 2 2  m3 3  .......
 Vcom  dt dt dt
m1  m 2  m 3  .........
  
 m1v1  m2 v 2  m3 v 3  ......
Vcom  ...(2)
m1  m2  m3  ...
4.2 Acceleration of centre of mass of the system : -
To find the acceleration of C.O.M we differentiate equation (2)
  
dv dv dv
 m1 1  m 2 2  m 3 3 ......
dVcom dt dt dt
 
dt m1  m 2  m 3 ........
  
 m1a1  m 2 a 2  m 3 a 3 ......
a com  ...(3)
m1  m 2  m 3 ........
   
Now (m1 + m2 + m3) a com = m1a1  m 2 a 2  m 3 a 3 ......
   
Fnet( system)  F1net  F2 net  F3 net ........
The internal forces which the particles exert on one another play absolutely no role in the motion of
the centre of mass.
Ex.14 Two particles A and B of mass 1 kg and 2 kg respectively are projected in the directions shown
in figure with speeds uA = 200 m/s and uB = 50 m/s. Initially they were 90 m apart. Find the
maximum height attained by the centre of mass of the particles. Assume acceleration due to
gravity to be constant. (g = 10 m/s2)
Sol. Using mArA = mBrB
or (1) (rA) = (2) (rB) B
or rA = 2rB ...(i)
uB
and rA + rB = 90 m ...(ii) 90m
uA
Solving these two equations, we get
rA = 60 m and rB = 30 m A

i.e., COM is at height 60 m from the ground at time t = 0.

 
 m A a A  mB aB
Further, a COM 
m A  mB

= g = 10 m/s2 (downwards)
 
as a A  aB  g (downwards)
 
 m u  mB uB
u COM  A A
m A  mB

(1)( 200 )  ( 2)(50 ) 100

  m / s (upwards)
1 2 3
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 15

Let, h be the height attained by COM beyond 60 m. Using,

v 2COM  u2COM  2aCOMh

2
 100 
or 0   (2) (10)h
 3 

(100) 2
or h  55.55 m
180
Therefore, maximum height attained by the centre of mass is
H = 60 + 55.55 = 115.55 m Ans.

Case I : If Fnet = 0 then we conclude :


(a) The acceleration of centre of mass is zero ( a com  0 )
If a1, a2, a3.... is acceleration of m1, m2, m3 mass in the system then a1, a2, a3 may or may not be zero.
(b) K.E. of the system is not constant it may change due to internal force.

(c) Velocity of centre of mass is constant ( v com  cons tan t) but v1, v2, v3 may or may not constant. It may
y
be change due to internal force.
from eq (2)
  
m1v1  m 2 v 2  m 3 v 3 ..........  cons tan t
This is called momentum conservation.
"If resultant external force is zero on the system, then the net momentum of the system must
remain constant".

Case II : When centre of mass is at rest.


(a) Vcom  0 then

drcom 
 0  rcom = constant.
dt
  
i.e. r1, r2 , r3 ......... may or may not change

Ex.15 A wooden plank of mass 20 kg is resting on a smooth horizontal floor. A man of mass 60 kg
starts moving from one end of the plank to the other end. The length of the plank is 10 m. Find
the displacement of the plank over the floor when the man reaches the other end of the plank.

10m

Sol. Here, the system is man +plank. Net force on this system is horizontal direction is zero and initially the
centre of mass of the system is at rest. Therefore, the centre of mass does not move in horizontal
direction.
Let x be the displacement of the Plank. Assuming the origin, i.e., x = 0 at the position shown in figure.
 Page # 16 CENTRE OF MASS

x
x=0 10m Initial position

x 10-x Final position

As we said earlier also, the centre of mass will not move in horizontal direction (x-axis). Therefore, for
centre of mass to remain stationary,
xi = xf
20x = 60 × (10 – x)

30
or x= m or x = 7.5 m Ans.
4
Ex.16 Mr. Verma (50 kg) and Mr. Mathur (60 kg) are sitting at the two extremes of a 4 m long boat (40
kg) standing still in water. To discuss a mechanics problem, they come to the middle of the
boat. Neglecting friction with water, how far does the boat move on the water during the
process?
Sol. Here the system is Mr. Verma + Mr. Mathur + boat. Net force on this system is in horizontal direction is
zero and initially the centre of mass of the system is at rest. Therefore the C.O.M does not move in
horizontal direction. Let x be the displacement of the boat. Then We can use the concept

m1x 1  m v x v  mM x M

40 × x = 50 × ( 2 – x) – 60 (2 + x) [Link] Mr. Mathur

40x = 100 – 50 x – 120 – 60x
(60 kg)
150 x = – 20 (50kg)

2
x– m
15
4m 40kg
x  13 cm (right wards)
Initially

x
x
2m 2m

Case III : When net force is zero only in one direction.

Let us assume that Fnet in x direction is zero then we conclude

(i) Acceleration of the system in x direction is zero (ax = 0)

(ii) v(com)x = constant

 m1v1 x + m2 v2 x + m3v3 x = constant.

i.e., momentum is conserved only in x direction

 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 17

Ex.17 A man of mass m1 is standing on a platform of mass m2 kept on a smooth horizontal surface.
The man starts moving on the platform with a velocity vr relative to the platform. Find the
recoil velocity of platform.

Sol. Absolute velocity of man = vr – v where v = recoil velocity of platform. Taking the platform and the man
a system, net external force on the system in horizontal direction is zero. The linear momentum of the
system remains constant. Initially both the man and the platform were at rest.

vr –v
v

Hence,0 = m1(vr – v) – m2v

m1v r
 v = m m Ans.
1 2

Ex.18 A gun (mass = M) fires a bullet (mass = m) with speed vr relative to barrel of the gun which is
inclined at an angle of 60° with horizontal. The gun is placed over a smooth horizontal surface.
Find the recoil speed of gun.
Sol. Let the recoil speed of gun is v. Taking gun + bullet as the system. Net external force on the

vr
60°
vrsin60°

vrcos60°–v
v
Components of velocity
M of bullet relative to ground

system in horizontal direction is zero. Initially the system was at rest. Therefore, applying the principle
of conservation of linear momentum in horizontal direction, we get
Mv – m(vr cos 60° – v) = 0

mv r cos 60 mv r
 v= or v= Ans.
Mm 2(M  m)

Ex.19 A particle of mass m is placed at rest on the top of a smooth wedge of mass M, which in turn is
placed at rest on a smooth horizontal surface as shown in figure. Then the distance moved by
the wedge as the particle reaches the foot of the wedge is :
m


 Page # 18 CENTRE OF MASS

m
Sol. There is no external force in horizontal direction
on the wedge block system, So the x-coordinate
of the C.O.M of the wedge block system is at rest.
Let us assume that wedge move x when block M
reaches the ground. We can use the following
relation when
x - coordinate of C.O.M is at rest 
m1x1 = m2x2
Mx = m ( – x)
m
x
mM
M

m
x
x –x

Ex.20 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 lighter piece coming
to rest. Find the distance from the launching point to the point where the heavier piece lands.
Sol. Internal force do not effect the motion of the centre of mass, the centre of mass hits the ground at
the position where the original projectile would have landed. The range of the original projectile is,
4m

37° m
3m
N com
3 4
2u 2 sin  cos  2  10 4  
5 5m
xCOM = =
g 10
= 960 m
The centre of mass will hit the ground at this position. As the smaller block comes to rest after
breaking, it falls down vertically and hits the ground at half of the range, i.e., at x = 480 m. If the
heavier block hits the ground at x2, then
m1x1  m 2 x2 (m)(480)  (3m)( x2 )
xcom = m1  m 2  960 = x2 = 1120 m Ans.
(m  3m)
Ex.21 A shell is fired from a cannon with a speed of 100 m/s at an angle 60° with the horizontal
(positive x-direction). At the highest point of its trajectory, the shell explodes into two equal
fragments. One of the fragments moves along the negative x-direction with a speed of 50 m/
s. What is the speed of the other fragment at the time of explosion.
Sol. As we know in absence of external force the motion of centre of mass of a body remains unaffected.
Thus, here the centre of mass of the two fragments will continue to follow the original projectile path.
The velocity of the shell at the highest point of trajectory is vM = u cos  = 100 × cos 60° = 50 m/s Let
v1 be the speed of the fragment which moves along the negative x-direction and the other fragment
has speed v2,. which must be along positive x-direction. Now from momentum conservation, we have
–m m
mv  v1  v 2
2 2
or 2v = v2 – v1 or v2 = 2v + v1
= (2 × 50) + 50 = 150 m/s
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 19

Ex.22 A particle of mass 2 m is projected at an angle of 45° with horizontal with a velocity of 20 2m / s.
After 1 s explosion takes place and the particle is broken into two equal pieces.
As a result of explosion one part comes to rest. Find the maximum height attained by the other
part.
(Take g = 10 m/s2)
Sol. Applying conservation of linear momentum at the time of collision, or at t = 1 s,

mv  m(0)  2m(20 î  10 ĵ )

 v  40 ĵ  20 ĵ
At 1 sec, masses will be at height :
1 1
v y t 2  (20 )(1)  (–10 )(1)2  15m
h1  u y t 
2 2
After explosion other mass will further rise to a height :
u 2y
( 20 )2
h2    20 m
2g 2  10
uy = 20 m/s just after collision.
 Total height h = h1 + h2 = 35 m
Ex.23 A plank of mass 5 kg placed on a frictionless horizontal plane. Further a block of mass 1 kg is
placed over the plank. A massless spring of natural length 2m is fixed to the plank by its one
end. The other end of spring is compressed by the block by half of spring's natural length. They
system is now released from the rest. What is the velocity of the plank when block leaves the
plank? (The stiffness contant of spring is 100 N/m)
1kg

5kg
4m
Sol. Let the velocity of the block and the plank, when the block leaves the spring be u and v respectively.
1 2 1 1
By conservation of energy kx = mu 2 + Mv 2 [M = mass of the plank, m = mass of the block]
2 2 2
 100 = u2 + 5 v2 ...(i)
By conservation of momentum mu + Mv = 0
 u=–5v ...(ii)
Solving Eqs(i) and (ii)
10
30v2 = 100  v  m/s
3
From this moment until block falls, both plank and block keep their velocity constant.
10
Thus, when block falls, velocity of plank = m/s Ans.
3
Ex.24 Two identical blocks each of mass M = 9 kg are placed on a rough horizontal surface of frictional
coefficient  = 0.1. The two blocks are joined by a light spring and block B is in contact with a
vertical fixed wall as shown in figure. A bullet of mass m = 1kg and v0 = 10 m/s hits block A and
gets embedded in it. Find the maximum compression of spring. (Spring constant = 240 N/m, g
= 10 m/s2)
Sol. For the collision
1 × 10 = 10 × v  v = 1 m/s
If x be the maximum compression
v0 A B
1 2
1 2
× 10 × 1 = (m + M)gx+ kx M M
2 2 m
1
5 = 10x + 120 x2  x  m Ans.
6
 Page # 20 CENTRE OF MASS

Ex.25 A flat car of mass M is at rest on a frictionless floor with a child of mass m standing at its edge.
If child jumps off from the car towards right with an initial velocity u, with respect to the car,
find the velocity of the car after its jump.
Sol. Let car attains a velocity v, and the net velocity of the child with respect to earth will be u – v, as u
is its velocity with respect to car.

m u
v
M M

Initially, the system was at rest, thus according to momentum conservation, momentum after jump
must be zero, as
m(u – v) = M v

mu
v
m M
Ex.26 A flat car of mass M with a child of mass m is moving with a velocity v1 on a friction less surface.
The child jumps in the direction of motion of car with a velocity u with respect to car. Find the
final velocities of the child and that of the car after jump.
Sol. This case is similar to the previous example, except now the car is moving before jump. Here also no
external force is acting on the system in horizontal direction, hence momentum remains conserved in
this direction. After jump car attains a velocity v2 in the same direction, which is less than v1, due to
backward push of the child for jumping. After jump child attains a velocity u + v2 in the direction of
motion of car, with respect to ground.
m
m u
v2
M v1 M

According to momentum conservation

(M + m) v1 = Mv2 + m (u + v2)
Velocity of car after jump is

(M  m)v1  mu
v2 
Mm
(M  m)v1  (M) u
Velocity of child after jump is u  v 2 
Mm

Ex.27 Two persons A and B, each of mass m are standing at the two ends of rail-road car of mass M.
The person A jumps to the left with a horizontal speed u with respect to the car. There after,
the person B jumps to the right, again with the same horizontal speed u with respect to the car.
Find the velocity of the car after both the persons have jumped off.
m m

M
 CENTRE OF MASS Page # 21

Sol. Let car attain the velocity v in right ward and velocity of man A with respect to ground is v then
v = v – u
from momentum conservation
0 = mv  + (M + m)v

mu
 m(v – u) + (M + m)v = 0  v
(M  2m)
After wards mass B jumps to the right with the same horizontal speed u with respect to car, than car
attain v" velocity from linear momentum conservation.
(M+m)v = m(u + v") + Mv"
 mu 
(M  m)   mu  (m  M)v "
 M  2m 
m 2u
Now v" =
(M  2m)(M  m)

Ex.28. A block of mass m is placed on a triangular block of mass M, which in turn is placed on a horizontal
surface as shown in figure. Assuming frictionless surfaces find the velocity of the triangular
block when the smaller reaches the bottom end.
m

h
M

Sol. Let us assume that wedge move leftward with velocity v and block move down ward with velocity u
with respect to wedge.
 Net force is horizontal direction is zero so momentum is conserved in x direction.
Now velocity of block with respect to ground is
  
v m  v mw  v w
  
Vm  u  v

Vm  (u cos  – v ) î – u sin  ĵ
Now from momentum conservation in x direction
0 = – Mv + mVmx
 Mv = m (u cos  – v) ...(1)
From energy conservation M
v u cos 
1 1
mgh = mv 2  mv m
2 

2 2 u sin 
u
1 1
 mgh= mv 2  m(u 2  v 2 – 2uv cos ) ...(2)
2 2
from eq. (1) & (2)
1/ 2
 2m 2 gh cos  
v 2 
 (M  m)(M  m sin ) 