Suppose I push an object, for example a rod with two weights attached to the ends. Then, the object will move forward, but will also rotate, if the push is not at the center of mass (COM).
How is the trajectory affected, if the object itself changes such that the COM changes midflight? For example, if one weight moves smoothly to the other side?
I guess the translational movement should not change, but, if I understand this right, the rotational movement is always around the COM.
So, if I push at the COM at the start, I have no rotation. So, midflight, nothing changes and the object moves in a straight line without rotating.
But when I do not push at the COM at the start, the object has some rotation to it. And this rotation should change, right? But then, what are the exact equations for this motion? How does this change of rotation look like?
I assume there is no friction involved. Me and the object are far away in outer space.