The balloon, the light rope and the monkey shown in figure (9-E7) are at rest in the air. If the monkey reaches the top of the rope, by what distance does the balloon descend? Mass of the balloon = M, mass of the monkey = m and the length of the rope ascended by the monkey = L.

Consider origin of vertical 1-d coordinate system to be at the position of the balloon.
Initially, position of centre of mass of the system ![]()
Finally, when the monkey reaches the top, position of centre of mass of the system = 0
Shift in centre of mass of the system ![]()
⇒ The balloon descends by a distance of ![]()