Let's break down the problem: **Given:** - A baton is thrown into the air. - It has both rotational and linear motion. - You are to approximate the point around which the baton rotates. Let's analyze: ### Step 1: Understanding Rotational Motion When an object is thrown and spins freely in the air, it rotates around its **center of mass** (COM). The center of mass is the point at which the mass of the body is balanced in all directions. ### Step 2: Applying to the Baton - The baton is uniform; unless stated otherwise, we assume it is of uniform density. - For a uniform rod (or baton), the center of mass is at the **midpoint**. ### Step 3: Identifying on the Diagram - Looking at the diagram, points A, B, and C are marked. - Point B is at the midpoint of the baton. ### Step 4: Conclusion - The baton rotates around its center of mass, which is at point B. --- ## **Final Answer** **c. B** ### **Explanation:** The baton, while in the air, rotates about its center of mass, which is at the midpoint (B) of the baton.

Let's analyze the problem carefully and understand each option in detail: --- ### **Problem Summary:** A baton is thrown into the air with both linear and rotational motion. The question asks us to determine **around which point** the baton rotates during its motion. --- ### **Understanding the concepts involved:** - **Rotational motion:** Rotation occurs about a specific point or axis. - **Center of mass (COM):** For a uniform object, it is the point where the entire mass can be considered to be concentrated. For a uniform rod or baton, this point is at its midpoint. - **Rotation in free motion:** When an object like a baton is thrown and spins freely, it generally rotates about its **center of mass** unless external forces or constraints cause it to rotate about a different point. --- ### **Step-by-step reasoning:** #### **Step 1: Identify the nature of the motion** - The baton is thrown into the air, moving both linearly (upward) and rotating. - In free motion (no external torque), the **rotation occurs about the center of mass**. #### **Step 2: Analyzing the diagram** - The diagram shows a baton with points labeled A, B, and C. - Point B is at the midpoint of the baton, which for a uniform baton is the **center of mass**. - Points A and C are at the ends of the baton. #### **Step 3: Considering the options** - **Option A:** None of these - **Option B:** Point A - **Option C:** Point B - **Option D:** Point C --- ### **Step 4: Explanation of each option** - **Option A: None of these** - This would imply that the rotation occurs around a point **not** marked A, B, or C. - Given the physics, in the absence of external forces or constraints, the rotation should occur about the **center of mass**, which is at point B. - So, this option is **unlikely** unless there's specific evidence. - **Option B: Point A** - Point A is at one end of the baton. - Rotation **about an end** would imply the baton is spinning like a top on its end. - This is **not** typical unless the baton is pivoted or constrained. - In free flight, this is **unlikely**. - **Option C: Point B** - Point B is at the midpoint, which is the **center of mass**. - For a free object in the air, **rotation occurs about the center of mass**. - This is **most consistent** with physical principles. - **Option D: Point C** - Similar to point A, but at the other end. - Same reasoning applies as for point A. - Rotation about an end in free motion is **not typical**. --- ### **Final conclusion:** Since the baton is in free motion and is uniform, it **rotates about its center of mass**, which is at point **B**. --- ### **Final answer:** **Option C: B** --- ### **Summary:** - The baton, when thrown freely with rotation, rotates about its **center of mass**. - For a uniform baton, this is at its **midpoint (point B)**. - Therefore, the correct choice is **B**. --- **Hope this detailed explanation helps!**