Category: Center of Mass and Linear Momentum

We define the center of mass (com) of a system of particles (such as a person) in order to predict the possible motion of the system.  The center of mass of a system of particles is the point that moves as though (1) all of the system’s mass were concentrated there and (2) all external forces were…

The most dangerous type of collision between two cars is a head-on collision, which can be fatal to either or both drivers. Surprisingly, the data collected on head-on collisions suggest that the risk of fatality to a driver is less if that driver has a passenger in the car. How can that be true if,…