[figure] Three equal masses m are kept at vertices (A, B, C) of an equilateral triangle of side a in free space. At t=0, they are given an initial velocity VA=V0 AC, VB=V0 BA and VC=V0 CB. Here, AC, CB and BA are unit vectors along the edges of the triangle. If the three masses interact gravitationally, then the magnitude of the net angular momentum of the system at the point of collision is :
- 12 a mV0
- 3 a mV0
- 32 a mV0
- 32 a mV0
Answer
(4) 32 a mV0
Solution
Only internal (central) forces ⇒ L conserved; m v=0 ⇒ centroid O at rest, take moments about O
[figure]
Each velocity lies along a side, at in-radius r= a2 3 from O; all three turn the same way ⇒ add
L=3 mV0 r=3 mV0 a2 3
∴ L= 32 a mV0
Answer: (4)