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Question

Two masses m1 and m2 are moving with velocities v1 and v2 respectively. Find their total kinetic energy in the reference frame of centre of mass.

A
m1m2m1+m2(v1v2)2
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B
12m1m2m1+m2(v1v2)2
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C
12m1m2m1+m2(v1+v2)2
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D
12(m1m2)(v1v2)2
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Solution

The correct option is B 12m1m2m1+m2(v1v2)2
K=12m1v21c+12m2v22c …… (i)
Where v1c and v2c are velocities relative to the CM.
v1c=v1vCM=v1(m1v1+m2v2m1+m2)=(m2(v1v2)m1+m2)
v2c=v2vCM=v2(m1v1+m2v2m1+m2)=(m1(v2v1)m1+m2)
Putting these in Equation (i), K=12m1m2(m1+m2)(v1v2)2
Note: For a system of two particles of masses m1 and m2, the total kinetic energy isk=(1/2)μv2+(1/2)(m1+m2)v2CM where μ=m1m2m1+m2 (known as reduced mass of the system and
v=v1v2 (relative velocity).

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