Question

If the system consists of two identical particles. One particle is at rest and the other particle has an acceleration 'a'. The centre of mass of the system has an acceleration of :

• A. 2a
• B. a
• C. $\frac{a}{2}$
• D. $\frac{a}{4}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$\frac{a}{2}$

Answer 2

a_{cm =} $\frac{m_{1}a_{1} + m_{2}a_{2}}{m_{1} + m_{2}}$ = $\frac{m(0) + m(a)}{m + m}$ = a/2