Four equal 1 kg point masses lie at corners of a square of side 2√2 m. One is removed. If the centre-of-mass shift is x/y m as defined in the PDF, find x.
Physics · Mixed Chapter
JEE Main Practice

Question

Four equal 1 kg point masses lie at corners of a square of side 2√2 m. One is removed. If the centre-of-mass shift is x/y m as defined in the PDF, find x.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Initial centre of mass lies at the square centre. Step 2: After removing a corner mass, the other three have new centre offset from original centre by |rᶜᵒʳⁿᵉʳ|/3. Step 3: Distance centre to corner = side/√2=(2√2)/√2=2 m, so shift=2/3 m. Step 4: In x/y=2/3, x=2.