Question

A stick is thrown in the air and lands on the ground at some distance from the thrower. The centre of mass of the stick will move along a parabolic path 

(a) in all cases 

(b) only if the stick is uniform 

(c) only if the stick has linear motion but no rotational motion 

(d) only if the stick has a shape such that its centre of mass is located at some point on it and not outside it

Answer 1

Correct Answer is: (a) in all cases

We may consider the entire mass of the stick to be concentrated as a point mass at the centre of mass of the stick. As the centre of mass moves as a projectile, it will move along a parabolic path.