How Does the Law of Conservation of Momentum Apply in a Firework Explosion?

In summary, the conversation is about a giant "egg" that explodes during a fireworks display and breaks into two pieces with different masses traveling in opposite directions. The question asks for the initial momentum of piece A before the explosion, which is determined to be zero since the egg is at rest. The second question asks about the force between the two pieces during the explosion, which is equal according to Newton's third law. The law of conservation of momentum is used to solve for the initial momentum.
  • #1
sumitmanhas
12
0

Homework Statement


A giant "egg" explodes as part of a fireworks display. The egg is at rest before the explosion, and after the explosion, it breaks into two pieces, with the masses indicated in the diagram, traveling in opposite directions.
1013816.jpg

Part A
What is the momentum PA,i of piece A before the explosion?(initial momentum)
Part B
During the explosion, is the force of piece A on piece B greater than, less than, or equal to the force of piece B on piece A?

Homework Equations


law of conservation of momentum

The Attempt at a Solution


part a
i think as it says in the question that the egg is at rest so won't the initial momentum be zero but a bit hesitant ...cant be that easy...
part b
equal forces according to Newtons law ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's right! just set it up lie that and remmber since they go in opposite directions, one is negative so

0 = m1v1-m2v2
 
  • #3
THANKS aimslin 22 for givin positive resp
 

1. How is momentum affected by an explosion?

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity. In an explosion, particles are propelled in different directions at high velocities, resulting in a change in the overall momentum of the system.

2. Is momentum conserved in an explosion?

According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. In an explosion, the initial momentum of the system is equal to the final momentum, meaning that momentum is conserved.

3. How does mass affect the momentum in an explosion?

The greater the mass of the particles involved in the explosion, the greater the overall momentum of the system will be. This is because momentum is directly proportional to mass.

4. Can an explosion have a negative momentum?

Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In an explosion, some particles may be propelled in the opposite direction, resulting in a negative momentum. However, the overall momentum of the system will still be conserved.

5. Can momentum in an explosion be calculated?

Yes, momentum can be calculated using the formula p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. However, in an explosion, the velocity of the particles may be difficult to measure accurately.

Similar threads

I When are the initial and final momentums the same (conserved)?
    • Mechanics
Replies
16
Views
1K
Finding velocity of a piece after explosion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
Firework problem, conservation of energy?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
Explosion and conservation of momentum problem
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Conservation of momentum in an *open* system
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
4K
Confusion with "explosive" part, Conservation of Momentum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Conservation of Momentum in Explosions
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Conservation of Momentum in an Explosion
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
4K
How do I find the direction of C?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
Question involving the conservation of momentum
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top