Solving for Velocity in a Three-Piece Explosion

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a firecracker explosion that breaks a coconut into three pieces, with two pieces of equal mass moving in perpendicular directions at a specified speed. The challenge is to determine the speed of the third piece, which has a different mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of momentum in both the X and Y directions, questioning how to incorporate mass values into their calculations. There is a suggestion that the mass ratios will simplify the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided equations to analyze the momentum, while others express confusion regarding the mass values needed for calculations. There is an indication that the discussion is progressing towards understanding the relationships between the pieces, but consensus on the approach has not been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that specific mass values are not provided, leading to questions about how to proceed with the calculations. The assumption that mass ratios will cancel out is discussed, but clarity on this point remains elusive.

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A firecracker in a coconut blows the coconut into three pieces. Two pieces of equal mass fly off south and west, perpendicular to each other, at 20 m/s. The third piece has twice the mass as the other two.What is the speed of the third piece?

really boggled, no masses are given? i thought since the mass is double then the speed would be half of the speed of the 1st and 2nd pieces? anyone have an equation to help me out?
thanks
 
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Resolve the momentums in the X and Y directions assuming the body is initially at rest:

[tex]\sum m_i v_i = 0[/tex] Here's the X direction (assuming east/west are the postive/negative x axis):

[tex]-20m + 2mv_x = 0[/tex]

and in the Y direction:

[tex]-20m + 2mv_y = 0[/tex]

It's easy to see what [tex]v_x[/tex] and [tex]v_y[/tex] are.
 
still don't understand, what do i put for the masses?
 
It doesn't matter what the masses are. The ratios are given. The masses will cancel out later once you have the relationship worked out.
 
so Vx = 10 and Vy = 10? after i solved in the equations
 

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