Q. Consider a two particle system with particles having masses $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$. If the first particles is pushed towards the centre of mass through a distance $d$, by what distance should the second particle be moved, so as to keep the centre of mass at the same position?

A) $\frac{m_{2}}{m_{1}}d$
B) $\frac{m_{1}}{m_{1\ } + m_{2\ }\ }$
C) $\frac{m_{1}}{m_{2}}d$
D) $d$
Explanation

(c) To keep the centre of mass at the position, velocity of centre of mass is zero, so
$\frac{m_{1}\mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{1}} + m_{2}\mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{2}}}{m_{1} + m_{2}} = 0$
where $\mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{1}}\ and\ \mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{2}}$ are velocities of particles 1 and 2 respectively.
$\Rightarrow$ $m_{1}\frac{d\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{1}}}{dt} + m_{2}\frac{d\mathbf{r}_{2}}{dt} = 0$
$\lbrack\because\mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{1}} = \frac{d\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{1}}}{dt}\ and\ \mathbf{v}_{\mathbf{2}} = \frac{d\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{2}}}{dt}\rbrack$
$\Rightarrow$ $md\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{1}} + m_{2}d\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{2}} = 0\ \lbrack d\mathbf{r}_{\mathbf{1}}\ and\ d\mathbf{r}_{2}$ represent the change in displacement of particles]
Let 2nd particle has been displaced by distance $x$.
$\Rightarrow$ $m_{1}(d) + m_{2}(x) = 0$
$\Rightarrow$ $\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ x = - \frac{m_{1}d}{m_{2}}$
Negative sign shows that both the particles have to move in opposite directions.
So, $\frac{m_{1}d}{m_{2}}$ is the distance moved by 2nd particle to keep centre of mass at the same position.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.