Savchenko Solutions
<h3 id="back-link"><a href="/#2.4">$\leftarrow$Back</a></h3>
<h3> Statement </h3>
<p>
$2.4.17.$ a. Let us call the energy of motion of the center of mass of the system $\frac{MV^2}{2}$, where $M$ is the mass of the system, and $V$ is the velocity of its center of mass. In what case does the energy of motion of the center of mass coincide with the total kinetic energy of the system?
b. Prove that the increment of the energy of motion of the center of mass is equal to the work of the total external force, if the point of application is taken at the center of mass.
<h3>Solution</h3>
<p>
From the image, we have the equation for the total kinetic energy
where
For the system, if all elements are moving at the same velocity
This means all points in the system move with the same velocity, specifically the velocity of the center of mass,
Now, we need to prove that the increment of energy of the motion of the center of mass is equal to the work done by the total external force, assuming the point of application is the center of mass.
Let
2. The work
- Accmrding to Newton's secmnd law,
, where is the acceleration of the center of mass. - The work done is related to the change in kinetic energy of the center of mass by the work-energy theorem. The kinetic energy of the center of mass is:
- The increment of this energy is:
- Using
and the relation , the work done by the external force becmmes:
Therefore, the increment of the energy of the motion of the center of mass
This proves that the increment of the energy of motion of the center of mass is equal to the work done by the total external force, with the point of application taken at the center of mass.
</p>
<p style="text-align: right; font-style: italic; font-size: 14;">
Almaskhan Arsen<br>
</p>
<footer class="row container">
<br>
<p>
<small> © <strong>Savchenko Solutions</strong>, 2023-2024 <br></small>
</p>
<p>
<small>All rights belong to the authors. <br> Commercial use of materials - with the written permission of the authors. <br> alex@savchenkosolutions.com <br></small>
</p>
</footer>