Center of mass of a two particle system

In summary, the center of mass (CM) of a two particle system can be proven to lie on the line joining the two particles by assuming the contrary and using the definition of CM and the line segment between the two particles. As the parameter t varies in the interval [0,1], the vector r sweeps out the line segment from r2 to r1. This can be compared to the expression for the center of mass, showing that it does indeed lie on the line joining the two particles.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
How does one prove the center of mass of a two particle system lies on the line joining them?

Would we do this by contradiction?
Suppose on the contrary that the CM doesn't lie on the line joining the two particles. Where do I go from here though?
 
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  • #2
Definition of CM of two particles of mass $m_{1}$ and $m_{2}$:
$$ \mathbf{r}_{ \text{cm}}= \frac{m_{1} \mathbf{r}_{1}+m_{2} \mathbf{r}_{2}}{m_{1}+m_{2}}.$$
We can view the line segment from $\mathbf{r}_{1}$ to $\mathbf{r}_{2}$ as follows:
$$\{\mathbf{r}| \exists\,t\in[0,1] \; \text{s.t.} \; \mathbf{r}=t \mathbf{r}_{1}+(1-t)\mathbf{r}_{2} \}.$$
You can see that $t=0$ means $\mathbf{r}=\mathbf{r}_{2}$ and $t=1$ corresponds to $\mathbf{r}=\mathbf{r}_{1}$. As $t$ varies in the interval $[0,1]$, the vector $\mathbf{r}$ sweeps out the line segment from $\mathbf{r}_{2}$ to $\mathbf{r}_{1}$. Now compare this expression to the expression for the center of mass.
 

Related to Center of mass of a two particle system

1. What is the definition of center of mass?

The center of mass of a two particle system is the point at which the entire mass of the system can be considered to be concentrated. It is the average position of all the particles in the system.

2. How is the center of mass calculated for a two particle system?

The center of mass can be calculated by taking the weighted average of the positions of the particles, where the weight is equal to the mass of each particle. This can be represented mathematically as:

xcm = (m1x1 + m2x2) / (m1 + m2)

ycm = (m1y1 + m2y2) / (m1 + m2)

Here, m1 and m2 are the masses of the particles and x1, x2, y1, y2 are the x and y coordinates of the particles.

3. Why is the center of mass important in physics?

The center of mass is important in physics because it helps us understand the motion of a system as a whole. When an external force acts on a system, the center of mass responds to that force as if all the mass of the system were concentrated at that point. This simplifies the analysis of complex systems and allows us to make predictions about their motion.

4. Can the center of mass be outside of the physical object?

Yes, the center of mass can be outside of the physical object. This is possible when the object has an irregular shape or when the mass is distributed unevenly. In such cases, the center of mass may be located outside the physical boundaries of the object.

5. How does the center of mass change when particles within the system move?

The center of mass changes when particles within the system move. If the particles move in the same direction, the center of mass will also move in that direction. However, if the particles move in opposite directions, the center of mass will remain stationary. The position of the center of mass is also affected by the distribution and relative masses of the particles in the system.

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