The picture on the right shows an exploding firework high up in the air, just after the firework has come to a rest. Which point best describe the center of mass of the explosion? Picture by H.K. Ng
A) a
B) b
C) c
D) d
E) e

Question

The picture on the right shows an exploding firework high up in the air, just after the firework has come to a rest. Which point best describe the center of mass of the explosion?  Picture by H.K. Ng
A) a 
B) b 
C) c 
D) d 
E) e

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The center of mass of an object or system is the point where the mass is evenly distributed in all directions. In the case of an exploding firework, the center of mass will be closest to the center of the explosion. Point c is the closest point to the center of the explosion, so it is the best choice for the center of mass.

The Picture on the Right Shows an Exploding Firework High