The velocity of the centre of mass of a two-particle system is v and the total mass of the particles is M. The kinetic energy of the system

JEE Main Physics question

The velocity of the centre of mass of a two-particle system is and the total mass of the particles is . The kinetic energy of the system

(A)May be equal to Correct
(B)Must be equal to or less than
(C)May be equal to or greater than Correct
(D)Cannot be exactly calculated as the information given is insufficient

Answer: (A),(C)

Solution

Total KE (KE in the CM frame, which is always ). The minimum possible KE is (when both particles move together at , zero relative motion) — so KE may equal (A) and, in general, KE is always

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Question ID VK-158712