Motion of Center of Mass: Practice Problem & Solution
Two persons of masses $55\text{ kg}$ and $65\text{ kg}$ respectively, are at the opposite ends of a boat. The length of the boat is $3.0\text{ m}$ and weighs $100\text{ kg}$. The $55\text{ kg}$ man walks up to the $65\text{ kg}$ man and sits with him. If the boat is in still water the center of mass of the system shifts by: (2012 Pre)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Motion of Center of Mass. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Since no external horizontal force acts on the system (boat + persons), the position of the centre of mass of the system remains unchanged. Thus, the shift in the centre of mass is zero. Option (c) is correct.
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