Journal of Physics Education and Science
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): June

A Brief Review on Equation of Motion of Variable Mass System

Vippala, Veera (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2025

Abstract

Newton’s second law states that the external force acting on a system is equal to the rate of change of its linear momentum. It is Galilean invariant when the system mass is constant. There is a misunderstanding that Newton’s second law is neither a valid expression nor Galilean invariant in case of variable mass system. In a variable mass system, total system mass is a still remaining constant but remnant and ejected masses vary with time at equal rates. In case of rocket, system total mass always constant but remnant mass decreasing with time and ejected mass is increasing with time at equal rates. In the existing literature equation of motion of variable system considered as equation of motion of present remnant mass. In this work we consider total mass, remnant mass and ejected mass are three different systems and Newton's law validity and its Galilean invariance are verified for these three systems.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

physics

Publisher

Subject

Chemistry Education Physics Other

Description

The Journal of Physics Education and Science ISSN 3031-3465 is a scholarly publication committed to advancing the understanding and practice of physics education and research. Dedicated to fostering excellence in physics education, JPES provides a platform for educators, researchers, and ...