A rocket of length $80 \mathrm{~m}$ sits on a launch pad in outer space. The center of mass of the combined rocket and launch pad system is located in the center of the launch pad. The rocket is launched and reaches a distance of $100,000 \mathrm{~km}$ from the starting position. Where is the location of the center of mass of the total rocket-fuel-launch pad system then?
A) at the center of the launch pad
B) at the starting position
C) 50,000 km from the launch pad
D) $100,000 \mathrm{~km}$ from the launch pad
E) $80 \mathrm{~m}$ from the launch pad

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The center of mass of a closed system does not change due to internal forces. Since the rocket's movement is an internal force within the rocket-fuel-launch pad system, the center of mass remains at the starting position.

A Rocket of Length 80 m80 \mathrm{~m}80 m Sits on a Launch Pad in Outer Space

A Rocket of Length $80 \mathrm{~m}$ Sits on a Launch Pad in Outer Space