Question

Which formula correctly represents the velocity of the centre of mass (v_cm​) for a system of discrete particles?

Options

• \[v_{cm}=\frac{M}{\sum_{i=1}^nm_iv_i}\]

• \[v_{cm}=M\sum_{i=1}^nm_iv_i\]

• \[v_{cm}=\frac{\sum_{i=1}^nv_i}{n}\]

• \[v_{cm}=\frac{\sum_{i=1}^nm_iv_i}{M}\]

Answer 1

\[v_{cm}=\frac{\sum_{i=1}^nm_iv_i}{M}\]

Explanation:

This is the correct definition, representing the total momentum of the system divided by the total mass.