Question

I'm struggling with problems involving zero momentum reference frames. I think this is because I don't understand the concept of the zero momentum reference frame well enough, unfortunately my textbook doesn't explain it all that well. Could someone please explain the changing of values from the earth reference frame to the zero momentum reference frame, and if a collision is elastic in the earth reference frame how would it be represents in the zero momentum reference. Sorry I know this is vague

Answer 1

the basic concept of zero momentum reference frame(mostly called as Center of mass frame) is the moments about center of mass is 0. you may think but how can I say this?. well center of mass is defined in such a way that moments are zero. So center of mass simply translates even though the body has complex motion(thats the beauty!)

this is a very very important concept which is used every where, if u have a doubt just comment i would like to help u. i would also suggest u to watch some video lectures of R.Shankar which are availabe online for free or read some refereces like resnick hallday walker so that u could get a clear of idea