Question

A large wedge rests on a horizontal frictionless surface, as shown. A block starts from rest and slides down the inclined surface of the wedge, which is rough. During the motion of the block, the center of mass of the block and wedge system:

Answer 1

The center of mass of a block and wedge system will not change during the motion of the block on the rough incline.

Step-by-step explanation:

The center of mass of a block and wedge system will not change during the motion of the block on the rough incline.

When an object rests on an incline, the force of gravity acting on it is divided into two components: a force acting perpendicular to the plane and a force acting parallel to the plane.

The force of gravity acting perpendicular to the plane does not affect the center of mass of the system, as it cancels out with the normal force acting in the opposite direction. The force of gravity acting parallel to the plane, along with the force of friction, causes the block to accelerate down the incline.

Overall, the center of mass of the block and wedge system remains the same as long as there are no external horizontal forces acting on it.