Question

Numerous particles in a system are placed at a distance of “D” from the origin. The position of the centre of mass will definitely be _____

(a) Equal to D

(b) Lesser than or equal to D

(c) Greater than D

(d) Greater than or equal to D

I had been asked this question in an online interview.

Enquiry is from System of Particles topic in division System of Particles and Rotational Motion of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Right option is (b) Lesser than or equal to D

Explanation: Since all objects are placed at the same distance, they are either placed in a spherical configuration, circular-arc configuration or a linear configuration. In all of the cases, the centre of mass of the system will lie within the geometry of the shape. Hence the centre of mass of the system is at a position lesser than or equal to D.