/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 3 Two objects with masses \(m_{1}\... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Two objects with masses \(m_{1}\) and \(m_{2}\) are moving along the \(x\) -axis in the positive direction with speeds \(v_{1}\) and \(v_{2}\), respectively, where \(v_{1}\) is less than \(v_{2}\). The speed of the center of mass of this system of two bodies is a) less than \(v_{1}\). b) equal to \(v_{1}\). c) equal to the average of \(v_{1}\) and \(v_{2}\). d) greater than \(v_{1}\) and less than \(v_{2}\). e) greater than \(v_{2}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: The speed of the center of mass of a system of two objects with masses \(m_{1}\) and \(m_{2}\) moving along the x-axis in the positive direction with speeds \(v_{1}\) and \(v_{2}\) (with \(v_{1} < v_{2}\)) is: a) Equal to \(v_{1}\) b) Equal to \(v_{2}\) c) Less than \(v_{1}\) and greater than \(v_{2}\) d) Greater than \(v_{1}\) and less than \(v_{2}\) Answer: d) Greater than \(v_{1}\) and less than \(v_{2}\).

Step by step solution

01

Recall the formula for center of mass

The center of mass of a system of particles can be found using the formula: x_cm = (m_1 * x_1 + m_2 * x_2) / (m_1 + m_2) Additionally, the velocity of the center of mass can be found using the same weights for the velocities, like so: v_cm = (m_1 * v_1 + m_2 * v_2) / (m_1 + m_2)
02

Determine the relationship between v1 and v2

To find how v_cm compares to v_1 and v_2, note that v_1 < v_2. This relationship between the velocities will be important when we evaluate the expression for the velocity of the center of mass.
03

Analyze the velocity of the center of mass

v_cm = (m_1 * v_1 + m_2 * v_2) / (m_1 + m_2) Now, since v_1 and v_2 are both positive, the entire numerator (m_1 * v_1 + m_2 * v_2) must also be positive. In addition, both masses m_1 and m_2 must also be positive, which means the denominator (m_1 + m_2) must also be positive. Since we have a fraction where both the numerator and denominator are positive, we can determine that: v_1 * (m_1 / (m_1 + m_2)) < (m_1 * v_1 + m_2 * v_2) / (m_1 + m_2) < v_2 * (m_2 / (m_1 + m_2)) This inequality implies: v_1 < v_cm < v_2
04

Conclude and choose the correct answer

Based on our analysis, we determined that the velocity of the center of mass is greater than v_1 and less than v_2. Therefore, the correct answer is: d) greater than \(v_{1}\) and less than \(v_{2}\).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Can the center of mass of an object be located at a point outside the object, that is, at a point in space where no part of the object is located? Explain.

When a bismuth-208 nucleus at rest decays, thallium-204 is produced, along with an alpha particle (helium- 4 nucleus). The mass numbers of bismuth-208, thallium- 204 , and helium- 4 are 208,204 , and 4 , respectively. (The mass number represents the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.) The kinetic energy of the thallium nucleus is a) equal to that of the alpha particle. b) less than that of the alpha particle. c) greater than that of the alpha particle.

The Saturn \(V\) rocket, which was used to launch the Apollo spacecraft on their way to the Moon, has an initial mass \(M_{0}=2.80 \cdot 10^{6} \mathrm{~kg}\) and a final mass \(M_{1}=8.00 \cdot 10^{5} \mathrm{~kg}\) and burns fuel at a constant rate for \(160 .\) s. The speed of the exhaust relative to the rocket is about \(v=2700 . \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}\). a) Find the upward acceleration of the rocket, as it lifts off the launch pad (while its mass is the initial mass). b) Find the upward acceleration of the rocket, just as it finishes burning its fuel (when its mass is the final mass). c) If the same rocket were fired in deep space, where there is negligible gravitational force, what would be the net change in the speed of the rocket during the time it was burning fuel?

You find yourself in the (realistic?) situation of being stuck on a 300 -kg raft (including yourself) in the middle of a pond with nothing but a pile of 7 -kg bowling balls and 55 -g tennis balls. Using your knowledge of rocket propulsion, you decide to start throwing balls from the raft to move toward shore. Which of the following will allow you to reach the shore faster? a) throwing the tennis balls at \(35 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) at a rate of 1 tennis ball per second b) throwing the bowling balls at \(0.5 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) at a rate of 1 bowling ball every \(3 \mathrm{~s}\) c) throwing a tennis ball and a bowling ball simultaneously, with the tennis ball moving at \(15 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) and the bowling ball moving at \(0.3 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\), at a rate of 1 tennis ball and 1 bowling ball every \(4 \mathrm{~s}\) d) not enough information to decide

One important characteristic of rocket engines is the specific impulse, which is defined as the total impulse (time integral of the thrust) per unit ground weight of fuel/oxidizer expended. (The use of weight, instead of mass, in this definition is due to purely historical reasons.) a) Consider a rocket engine operating in free space with an exhaust nozzle speed of \(v\). Calculate the specific impulse of this engine. b) A model rocket engine has a typical exhaust speed of \(v_{\text {toy }}=800 . \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}\). The best chemical rocket engines have exhaust speeds of approximately \(v_{\text {chem }}=4.00 \mathrm{~km} / \mathrm{s} .\) Evaluate and compare the specific impulse values for these engines.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.