The center of mass of a system of particles obeys an equation similar to Newton's second law where:
A) is the total internal force and m is the total mass of the system
B) is the total internal force and m is the mass acting on the system
C) is the total external force and m is the total mass of the system
D) is the force of gravity and m is the mass of Earth
E) is the force of gravity and m is the total mass of the system

Question

The center of mass of a system of particles obeys an equation similar to Newton's second law  where:
A) is the total internal force and m is the total mass of the system 
B) is the total internal force and m is the mass acting on the system 
C) is the total external force and m is the total mass of the system 
D) is the force of gravity and m is the mass of Earth 
E) is the force of gravity and m is the total mass of the system

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The center of mass of a system of particles obeys the equation 11eaafba_af42_3157_a7a5_a34f90c04593_TB3976_11 where 11eaafba_af42_586a_a7a5_db2b6a6dd572_TB3976_11 is the total external force and m is the total mass of the system. This is because the center of mass of a system of particles is affected by external forces, not internal forces within the system. The mass considered in the equation is the total mass of the system, not just the mass acting on the system.

The Center of Mass of a System of Particles Obeys