Web Analytics
Answered

An internal explosion breaks an object initially at rest into two pieces, one of which has 1.6 times the mass of the other. If 5900J is released in the explosion, how much kinetic energy does each piece acquire?

Verified Answer :

scme1702

The pieces will fly off in opposite directions to conserve momentum so:
m₁v₁ = m₂v₂
m₁v₁ = 1.6m₁v₂
v₂ = v₁/1.6
Ratios of K.E = m₁(v₁)²/m₂(v₂)²
= m₁(v₁)² / 1.6m₁(v₁/1.6)²
= 1.6
K.E₁ = 1.6K.E₂
5900 = K.E₁ + K.E₂
5900 = 1.6K.E₂ + K.E₂
K.E₂ = 2270 J for larger piece
K.E₁ = 3200 J for smaller piece

Related Questions