Question

The centre of mass of a body

• A. always lies inside the body
• B. always lie outside the body
• C. may lie inside or outside the body
• D. lies at the geometrical center

Answer 1

The correct option is C

may lie inside or outside the body

Center of mass: It is defined as a point at the center of the distribution of mass in any given space.

Explanation for the correct option:

Option C:

1. The center of mass is a point at which the mass of the whole body appears to be concentrated.
2. It may lie inside or outside the body.
3. The center of mass of a solid sphere lies inside its body whereas the center of mass of a ring lies outside its body.
4. Hence, this is the correct option.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Center of mass depends on the shape of the body and its mass distribution.
2. It may not necessarily always lie inside the body.
3. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B:

1. Whenever an object does not have geometrical symmetry, its center of mass does not lie inside the body.
2. For shapes like rings, the center of mass lies outside too.
3. This is one of the possibilities of the position of the center of mass and is not necessarily always true.
4. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D:

1. Many objects do not have geometrical centers.
2. Therefore, it is not correct to assume the center of mass based on the location of the geometrical center.
3. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, option C is the correct option.