Scribd
Upload
4 views1 page

Physics Center of Mass Problems

The document presents a series of physics problems related to mechanics, including topics such as center of mass, collision dynamics, and motion on frictionless surfaces. Each problem involves calculating various physical quantities like velocity, mass distribution, and final velocities of systems involving multiple objects. The problems are designed for students to apply principles of physics to solve complex scenarios.

Uploaded by

luis.maci.2005
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views1 page

Physics Center of Mass Problems

The document presents a series of physics problems related to mechanics, including topics such as center of mass, collision dynamics, and motion on frictionless surfaces. Each problem involves calculating various physical quantities like velocity, mass distribution, and final velocities of systems involving multiple objects. The problems are designed for students to apply principles of physics to solve complex scenarios.

Uploaded by

luis.maci.2005
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Set Problems 5 Physics I 25/26-S1–15075

1. A slender uniform rod of length L and mass M rest along the y-axis on a frictionless
horizontal table. A particle of equal mass M is moving along the x-axis at a speed v0 . At
⃗ cm (t) and
t = 0 the particle strikes the end of the rod and sticks to it. Find the position R
⃗cm (t) of the center of mass of the system as a function of time.
velocity V

2. A thin non-uniform rod has a length L, total mass M , and the linear mass density varies with the distance x from the
left end according to λ = λL0 x where λ0 is a constant and has SI units [kg · m−1 ]. Find λ0 and the position of the center
of mass with respect to the left end of the rod.

3. A small cube of mass m slides down a circular path of radius R cut into a large block of
mass M , as shown. M rests on a table, and both blocks move without friction. The blocks
are initially at rest, and m starts from the top of the path. Find the velocity v of the cube
as it leaves the block.

4. (high complexity) N people, each of mass mp , stand on a railway flatcar of mass mc . They jump off one end of the
flatcar with velocity u relative to the car. The car rolls in the opposite direction without friction.
a. What is the final velocity of the car if all the people jump at the same time?
b. What is the final velocity of the car if the people jump off one at a time?
c. Does case a) or b) yield the largest final velocity of the flat car.

5. A simple way to measure the speed of a bullet is with a ballistic pendulum. As illustrated,
this consists of a wooden block of mass M into which the bullet is shot. The block is
suspended from cables of length l, and the impact of the bullet causes it to swing through
a maximum angle ϕ, as shown. The initial speed of the bullet is vb , and its mass is m.

a) How fast is the block moving immediately after the bullet comes to rest? (Assume
that this happens quickly.)
b) Show how to find the velocity of the bullet by measuring m, M , l, and ϕ

6. Particle A of mass m has initial velocity v0 . After colliding with particle B of mass 2m
initially at rest, the particles follow the paths shown in the sketch. Find θ.

1
Physics department Fernando J. Gómez-Ruiz
Escuela Politécnica Superior, Assitant Professor UC3M,
Avda. de la Universidad, 30. 28911 Leganés Personal Website
[Link] fegomezr@[Link]

You might also like