Question

The center of mass of a rigid body lies:
1. Inside the body
2. Outside the body
3. Either inside or outside
4. None of these

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Either inside or outside

CONCEPT:

Center of mass:

• The center of a mass of a body or system of a particle is defined as, a point at which the whole of the mass of the body or all the masses of a system of particle appeared to be concentrated.
• The center of mass can be real or imaginary, for example, in the case of a hollow or empty box the mass is physically not located at the center of the mass point.
• The center of mass may or may not be the same as the geometric center if a rigid body is considered.
• The center of mass can be either inside or outside of the body.

EXPLANATION:

• The center of mass of a body or system of a particle is defined as, a point at which the whole of the mass of the body or all the masses of a system of particle appeared to be concentrated.
• The center of mass can be either inside or outside of the body. Hence, option 3 is correct.

• Point mass: The body can act as a point mass at the point at which all the mass appeared to be concentrated i.e. center of mass.
• Centre of gravity: The Centre of gravity of a body is a point at which the weight of the body can be assumed.