Impulse/Momentum

smbascug

An atomic nucleus at rest decays radioactively into an alpha particle and a smaller nucleus. What will the speed of this recoiling nucleus if the spped of the alpha particle is 6.2 x 10^5 m/s? Assume the nucleus has a mass 57 times greater than that of the alpha particle.


How can i solve this proble using Pa+Pb = Pa'+Pb'?
How do i find the mass of the alpha particle?

By the way the answer is -1.09 x 10^4 m/s.

Gale

you need to show some work before you can get help. assume the nucleus is at rest initially, that simplifies the equation a lot, you don't need the mass of the alpha particle.