Question

In a molecule of carbon monoxide (CO),the nuclei of the two atoms are 1.13 x 10-10m apart.locate of the centre of mass of the molecule.

Answer 1

This is due to the conservation of centre of mass.

COM=m1r1+m2r2/m1+m2

The centre of mass remains at a fixed position and does not move.

hence COM=0

Hence m1r1+(-m2r2)=0

-ve sign shows that the centre of mass is opposite to one of the atom.