Two bodies with masses m₁ and m₂ are both moving east with velocities of magnitudes v₁ and v₂, where v₁ is less than v₂. The magnitude of the velocity of the center of mass of this system of two bodies is A) less than v₁. B) equal to v₁. C) equal to the average of v₁ and v₂. D) greater than v₁ and less than v₂. E) greater than v₂.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The velocity of the center of mass is a weighted average of the velocities of the two bodies, which places it between the two given velocities since both are moving in the same direction.

Two Bodies with Masses M1 and M2 Are Both Moving

Two Bodies with Masses M₁ and M₂ Are Both Moving