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Where will the centre of mass be when two masses \(m\) and \(M\) \((M>m)\) are combined?

1. towards m
2. towards M
3. at the middle of m and M
4. anywhere

Correct answer: towards M

Solution

The centre of mass of two particles lies on the line joining them and divides the line inversely in the ratio of their masses. Since \(M>m\), the point is closer to \(M\).

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