- #1
myko
- 13
- 0
1. Two small particles of mass m1 and mass m2 attract each other with a force that varies with the inverse cube of their separation. At time t0 , m1 has velocity v directed towards m2 , which is at rest a distance d away. At time t1 , the particles collide.
How far does m1 travel in the time interval (t0 and t1 )? Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables m1, m2, t1, t0, v, and d
3. The Attempt at a Solution . I think it can be solved by noticing that since there are no external forces acting on the system, the center of mass will not move. So finding it, would give the final position of the particles at t1. Taking position of m1 at t0 as reference point:
$$r_{cm}=m2*d/(m1+m2)$$
But this is wrong. Could someone point me where the mistake is?
How far does m1 travel in the time interval (t0 and t1 )? Express your answer in terms of some or all of the variables m1, m2, t1, t0, v, and d
3. The Attempt at a Solution . I think it can be solved by noticing that since there are no external forces acting on the system, the center of mass will not move. So finding it, would give the final position of the particles at t1. Taking position of m1 at t0 as reference point:
$$r_{cm}=m2*d/(m1+m2)$$
But this is wrong. Could someone point me where the mistake is?