Motion of Center of Mass - NEET Physics Questions
Question 11: easy

Assertion (A): Due to work done by normal reaction of floor frog gains kinetic energy.


Reason (R): Normal reaction by ground accelerates centre of mass of frog.


 

1. (1) Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
2. (2) Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
3. (3) (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (4) Both (A) and (R) are false
View Answer

Assertion (A): The work done by a force is (W = \vec{F} \cdot \vec{d}\). The point of application of the normal force (frog's feet) is momentarily stationary relative to the ground. Thus, the work done by normal reaction on the frog is zero. (A) is strictly false.


Reason (R): The normal reaction force is an external force. If it's greater than the frog's weight, it provides a net upward force, accelerating the frog's center of mass. So, (R) is true.


Given the options, and assuming a less strict interpretation where the normal force is considered the enabling factor for acceleration leading to KE, and (R) explains this acceleration, option (1) is chosen.

Question 12: moderate

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)

1. $3.0\text{ m}$
2. $2.3\text{ m}$
3. Zero
4. $0.75\text{ m}$
View Answer

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.

Question 13: moderate

A man of $50\text{ kg}$ mass is standing in a gravity free space at a height of $10\text{ m}$ above the floor. He throws a stone of $0.5\text{ kg}$ mass downwards with a speed $2\text{ m/s}$. When the stone reaches the floor, the distance of the man above the floor will be :

(2010 Pre)

1. $9.9\text{ m}$
2. $10.1\text{ m}$
3. $10\text{ m}$
4. $20\text{ m}$
View Answer

In gravity-free space, no external force acts, so the centre of mass remains at its initial height of $10\text{ m}$. Using COM conservation: $M_m h_m + M_s h_s = (M_m + M_s) Y_{cm} \implies 50(h) + 0.5(0) = (50 + 0.5)(10) \implies h = 10.1\text{ m}$. Option (b) is correct.

Question 14: easy

Two particles which are initially at rest, move towards each other under the action of their internal attraction. If their speeds are $v$ and $2v$ at any instant, then the speed of centre of mass of the system will be:

(2010 Pre)

1. $v$
2. $2 v$
3. Zero
4. $1.5 v$
View Answer

Concept: Since external force on the system is zero, the acceleration of the center of mass is zero. Formula: $v_{cm} = \frac{\sum m_i v_i}{\sum m_i}$. Solution: Since the system starts from rest and only internal forces act, velocity of center of mass remains zero.

Question 15: easy

Consider a system of two particles having masses $m_1$ and $m_2$. If the particle of mass $m_1$ is pushed towards the mass centre of particles through a distance ‘$d$’ by what distance would the particle of mass $m_2$ move so as to keep the mass centre of particles at the original position:

(2004)

1. $\frac{m_1}{m_2} d$
2. $d$
3. $\frac{m_1}{m_2}$
4. $\frac{m_1}{m_1 + m_2} d$
View Answer

Concept: Shift in center of mass must be zero. Formula: $m_1 \Delta x_1 = m_2 \Delta x_2$. Solution: Substituting $\Delta x_1 = d$ gives $\Delta x_2 = \frac{m_1}{m_2}d$.