ABSTRACT
Until the last chapter, we exclusively focussed our studies on the kinematics and dynamics of [single, isolated, point-like] particles or very simple systems of particles. The study of more general systems of particles requires the introduction of various high-powered concepts and techniques. The first of these is the Centre of Mass, henceforth denoted “CofM.” There are two archetypical situations to examine:
. . . A system of discrete point(-like) particles
✷ A rigid extended body, i.e., a continuous distribution of matter
A priori these seem radically distinct. However, their deep similarities outweigh their superficial differences.
