Question

Consider a two particle system with particles having masses `m_1 and m_2` if the first particle is pushed towards the centre of mass through a distance d, by what distance should the second particle is moved, so as to keep the center of mass at the same position?
A. `d`
B. `(m_(2)//m_(1))d`
C. `[m_(1)//(m_(1) + m_(2))]d`
D. `(m_(1)//m_(2))d`

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
Let the distance of particle of mass `m_(2)` be `d_(2)` and distance of particle of mass `m_(2)` be `d_(1) = d`.
In order to keep mass centre at the original position `m_(1)d_(1) = m_(2)d_(2)`
or `d_(2) = (m_(1)d_(1))/(m_(2)) = ((m_(1))/(m_(2)))d` as `d_(1) = d`