Question

    Which of the following statements about the centre of

    mass (COM) of a system is always true?
    A It always lies inside the material boundary Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B It moves in the direction of the heaviest particle Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C It moves as if the entire mass were concentrated there and external forces acted only on it Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D It coincides with the centroid of the shape Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The centre of mass (COM) of a system behaves such that its motion reflects the net effect of all external forces acting on the system. The correct and universally valid statement is that the COM moves as if the entire mass of the system were concentrated at that point and all external forces were applied to it . This principle is foundational in mechanics and applies to all systems, regardless of internal structure or distribution.

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