Question

This problem has been solved! See the answer A 6.0 kg object, initially at rest in free space, "explodes" into three segments of equal mass. Two of these segments are observed to be moving with equal speeds of 20 m/s with an angle of 60 degrees between their directions of motion. How much kinetic energy is released in this explosion?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

mass of each part = 6 / 3 = 2 kg .

momentum of each of given part = 2 x 20 = 40 kg m/s

Two momentum of 40 kg m/s , acting at angle 60 degree .

Resultant momentum = 2 x 40 cos 30 = 69.28 kg m/s

The third mass will have equal and opposite momentum to this momentum , following law of conservation of momentum .

If its velocity be v .

2 x v = 69.28

v = 34.64 m /s

Third mass will have velocity of 34.64 m /s

Total kinetic energy of all three mass

KE = 1/2 x 2 ( 20² + 20² + 34.64² )

= 400 + 400 + 1199.92

= 1999.93 J .