Question

Two blocks of masses 10 kg and 20 kg are placed on the x-axis. The first mass is moved on the axis by a distance of 2 cm. By what distance should the second mass be moved to keep the position of centre of mass unchanged?

The centre of mass of a body or a system of bodies is the point which moves as though all of the mass were concentrated there and all external forces were applied to it. Hence, a point at which the entire mass of the body or system of bodies is supposed to be concentrated is known as the centre of mass. If a system consists of more than one particle (or bodies) and net external force on the system in a particular direction is zero with centre of mass at rest. Then, the centre of mass will not move along that direction. Even though some particles of the system may move along that direction.