Center of Mass Velocity

Definition

The center of mass velocity refers to the average velocity of an object's center of mass. It represents the overall motion of an object by taking into account both its translational and rotational motion.

Analogy

Imagine a group of people on a moving bus. The center of mass velocity is like the average speed at which the entire group is moving together, regardless of how each individual person is moving within the bus.

Related terms

Linear Momentum: Linear momentum is the product of an object's mass and its linear velocity. It represents the quantity of motion possessed by an object.

Angular Momentum: Angular momentum is a measure of an object's rotational motion. It depends on both its moment of inertia and angular velocity.

Conservation Laws: Conservation laws state that certain physical quantities, such as momentum and energy, remain constant in a closed system where no external forces are acting.