If a 5.00 kg mass is moving EAST at 10.0 m/s and a 15.0 kg mass is moving WEST at 10 m/s, what is the velocity of the center of mass of the pair?
A) 10 m/s WEST
B) 5.0 m/s EAST
C) 5.0 m/s WEST
D) 10 m/s EAST

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of the center of mass is given by the formula Vcm = (m1v1+m2v2)/(m1+m2). Plugging in the given values, we get Vcm = (5*10-15*10)/(5+15) = -5 m/s. Since the 15 kg object is moving in the opposite direction, the velocity is in the same direction as that of the 5 kg object, i.e., WEST. Therefore, the answer is C, 5.0 m/s WEST.

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