A Diatomic Molecule Consists of Two Point Masses, M₁ and M₂

Multiple Choice

A diatomic molecule consists of two point masses, m₁ and m₂, separated by a distance r. If x is the distance from m₁ to the center of mass, find the moment of inertia in terms of x about an axis perpendicular to the molecular axis through the center of mass.

A) 0
B) m₁m₂ r²/m₁ + m₂
C) m₁(r − x) ² + m₂x²
D) m₁x² + m₂(r − x) ²
E) m₂x² + m₁r²